Total Ionization Cross Sections of Molecules by Electron Impact

Abstract

The theoretical basis for the binary-encounter-Bethe (BEB) model is outlined, and the model is compared to available experiments and other theories for samples of stable molecules, radicals, and positive ions. Possible directions for improving the BEB model also are presented. The BEB model does not contain empirical parameters, offers a simple equation and recipe for the ionization cross-section of individual molecular orbitals, and provides reliable cross-sections at low as well as high incident electron energies. The BEB model has been verified to produce reliable cross-sections for dozens of stable, neutral, large, and small molecules (e.g., H2, SF6), radicals, and singly-charged positive ions. Section 2 discusses the theoretical basis for the BEB model. Section 3 compares BEB cross-sections with available experimental data for N2, CF4, SF6, CH3, N2+ and SF5. It is clear that the BEB model can produce reliable ionization cross-sections for small as well as large, stable molecules. It also can produce reliable cross-sections for hydrocarbon radicals and singly-charged positive ions. However, the BEB cross sections do not agree well with the experimental data on radicals containing fluorine, CFx, SFx, and NFx, although the BEB cross-sections for the stable molecules CF4 and SF6 agree well with experiments. Section 4 examines unsolved issues and future prospects.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADP019475

Entities

People

  • Yong-ki Kim

Organizations

  • National Institute of Standards and Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Born Approximations
  • Collisions
  • Dissociation
  • Electron Energy
  • Electrons
  • Energy
  • Energy Transfer
  • Experimental Data
  • Ionization
  • Kinetic Energy
  • Molecules
  • Momentum Transfer
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Quantum Numbers
  • Quantum Properties
  • Wave Functions
  • Websites

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Molecular Photonics/Laser Physics
  • Quantum Chemistry
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster