Parametrization of electron-impact ionization cross sections from laser-excited and aligned atoms.

A set of parameters describing electron-impact ionization from laser-aligned atoms are reported, which define the "length", "width", and "direction" of the quadruple differential cross section (QDCS) as a function of target alignment kB for fixed ingoing electron momentum k0 and outgoing momenta k1, k2. 24Mg was used, with k0, k1, k2, and kB in the same plane. The parameters are derived for a range of k2 angles, with k1 set at 30° to k0.

Low energy (e,2e) coincidence studies of NH3: results from experiment and theory.

Experimental and theoretical triple differential cross sections (TDCS) from ammonia are presented in the low energy regime with outgoing electron energies from 20 eV down to 1.5 eV. Ionization measurements from the 3a1, 1e1, and 2a1 molecular orbitals were taken in a coplanar geometry.

Low energy (e,2e) measurements of CH4 and neon in the perpendicular plane.

Low energy experimental and theoretical triple differential cross sections for the highest occupied molecular orbital of methane (1t(2)) and for the 2p atomic orbital of neon are presented and compared. These targets are iso-electronic, each containing 10 electrons and the chosen orbital within each target has p-electron character. Observation of the differences and similarities of the cross sections for these two species hence gives insight into the different scattering mechanisms occurring for atomic and molecular targets.

Differential cross sections for ionization of laser-aligned atoms by electron impact.

The first experimental data are given for (e,2e) ionization from laser-aligned atoms. A linearly polarized laser excited Mg atoms to the 3¹P₁ state prior to ionization by low energy electrons. The scattered and ejected electrons were detected in coincidence and the differential cross section determined for a range of alignment angles.