Search

Absolute total cross section (TCS) measurements for electron scattering from 1-propanol molecules are reported for impact energies from 40 to 500 eV. These measurements were obtained using a new apparatus developed at Juiz de Fora Federal University--Brazil, which is based on the measurement of the attenuation of a collimated electron beam through a gas cell containing the molecules to be studied at a given pressure. Besides these experimental measurements, we have also calculated TCS using the Independent-Atom Model with Screening Corrected Additivity Rule and Interference (IAM-SCAR+I) approach with the level of agreement between them being typically found to be very good. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measurements of the grand total and total positronium formation cross sections for positron scattering from uracil have been performed for energies between 1 and 180 eV, using a trap-based beam apparatus. Angular, quasi-elastic differential cross section measurements at 1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 eV are also presented and discussed. These measurements are compared to existing experimental results and theoretical calculations, including our own calculations using a variant of the independent atom approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the operation of a pulsed positronium beam based on a two-stage buffer gas positron trap (BGT) or a Surko trap. The BGT allows the areal density and temporal spread of the positron beam to be tailored. This tailored positron beam is used to form a positronium beam via charge exchange with an atomic or molecular gas. The resulting positronium beam is energy tunable, and the collimated beam relies on the angular differential positronium production cross section of the atomic or molecular gas used. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report absolute differential cross sections (DCSs) for elastic electron scattering from OCS (carbonyl sulphide) and CS2 (carbon disulphide) in the impact energy range of 1.2-200 eV and for scattering angles from 10° to 150°. Above 10 eV, the angular distributions are found to agree quite well with our present calculations using two semi-phenomenological theoretical approaches. One employs the independent-atom model with the screening-corrected additivity rule (IAM-SCAR), while the other uses the continuum-multiple-scattering method in conjunction with a parameter-free exchange-polarization approximation. Since OCS is a polar molecule, further dipole-induced rotational excitation cross sections have been calculated in the framework of the first Born approximation and incoherently added to the IAM-SCAR results. In comparison with the calculated DCS for the S atom, atomic-like behavior for the angular distributions in both the OCS and CS2 scattering systems is observed. Integrated elastic cross sections are obtained by extrapolating the experimental measurements, with the aid of the theoretical calculations, for those scattering angles below 10° and above 150°. These values are then compared with the available total cross sections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report on new measurements for elastic electron scattering from pyrazine. Absolute differential cross sections (DCSs) at seven discrete energies in the range 3-50 eV, and over the scattered electron angular range 10°-129°, were determined using a crossed electron-molecular beam spectrometer in conjunction with the well-established relative flow technique. Integral elastic cross sections were subsequently derived from those DCS data at each energy. Where possible comparison between the present results and those from sophisticated Schwinger multichannel and R-matrix computations is made, with generally quite good quantitative accord being found. Finally, in order to better study some of the rich resonance structure predicted by theory, results from elastic electron excitation functions are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report absolute elastic differential, integral and momentum transfer cross sections for electron interactions with CCl4. The incident electron energy range is 1.5-100 eV, and the scattered electron angular range for the differential measurements varies from 15°-130°. The absolute scale of the differential cross section was set using the relative flow technique with helium as the reference species. Comparison with previous total cross sections shows good agreement. Atomic-like behaviour in this scattering system is shown here for the first time, and is further investigated by comparing the CCl4 elastic cross sections to recent results on the halomethanes and atomic chlorine at higher impact energies [H. Kato, T. Asahina, H. Masui, M. Hoshino, H. Tanaka, H. Cho, O. Ingólfsson, F. Blanco, G. Garcia, S. J. Buckman, and M. J. Brunger, J. Chem. Phys. 132, 074309 (2010)]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report absolute elastic differential, integral, and momentum transfer cross sections for electron interactions with the series of molecules CH3X (X=F, Cl, Br, I). The incident electron energy range is 50–200 eV, while the scattered electron angular range for the differential measurements is 15°–150°. In all cases the absolute scale of the differential cross sections was set using the relative flow method with helium as the reference species. Substitution effects on these cross sections, as we progress along the halomethane series CH3F, CH3Cl, CH3Br, and CH3I, are investigated as a part of this study. In addition, atomic-like behavior in these scattering systems is also considered by comparing these halomethane elastic cross sections to results from other workers for the corresponding noble gases Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe, respectively. Finally we report results for calculations of elastic differential and integral cross sections for electrons scattering from each of the CH3X species, within an optical potential method and assuming a screened corrected independent atom representation. The level of agreement between these calculations and our measurements was found to be quite remarkable in each case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report experimental results for electron scattering from perfluorocyclobutane, c-C4F8, obtained from measurements in our two laboratories. A set of differential, integral, and momentum transfer cross sections is provided for elastic scattering for incident electron energies from 1.5 to 100 eV. Inelastic scattering (vibrational excitation) cross sections have been measured for incident electron energies of 1.5, 2, 5, 6, and 7 eV. In order to investigate the role of intermediate negative ions (resonances) in the scattering process we have also measured an excitation function for elastic scattering and vibrational excitation of the ground electronic state of C4F8 for incident energies between 0.6 and 20 eV. These results are compared with the limited amount of data available in the literature for scattering from this molecule. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report experimental results for electron scattering from tetrafluoroethylene, C2F4, obtained from measurements in two laboratories. An extensive set of differential, integral, and momentum transfer cross sections is provided for elastic scattering for incident electron energies from 1 to 100 eV and inelastic (vibrational excitation) scattering for incident electron energies at 3, 6, 7.5, 8, and 15 eV, and for scattering angles ranging from 10° to 130°. To highlight the role of intermediate negative ions (resonances) in the scattering process we have also measured excitation functions for elastic scattering and vibrational excitation of the ground electronic state of C2F4 for incident energies between 1.5 and 20 eV. Our results are compared with recent theoretical calculations and a limited number of other experimental results. © 2004 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new electron scattering apparatus is developed based on concepts from the positron system built by Surko et al (1988). In an electron version of the system, the electron beam is provided by a cathode and the rest of the system is correspondingly modified to a simpler system. The system was tested by measuring electron scattering from argon to verify its operation. N2O is important in the atmosphere and plasma processes, and in the intermediate energy region from 5 eV to 50 eV, there are two previous results for the electron scattering total cross-section which are in disagreement. We present here a new measurement for the total electron cross-section of N2O, helping to resolve this disagreement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excitation coefficients for the production of vibrationally exicted D2 by low energy electrons have been determined from measurements of the intensity of infrared emission from mixtures of D2 and small concentrations of CO2 or CO. The measurements were made using the electron drift tube technique and covered electric field to gas density ratios (E/n) from (5 to 80)×10-21 V m2, corresponding to mean electron energies between 0.45 and 4.5 eV. The CO2 and CO concentrations were chosen to allow efficient excitation transfer from the D2 to the carbon containing molecule, but to minimize direct excitation of the CO2 or CO. The measured infrared intensities were normalized to predicted values for N2–CO2 and N2–CO mixtures at E/n where the efficiency of vibrational excitation is known to be very close to 100%. The experimental excitation coefficients are in satisfactory agreement with predictions based on electron–D2 cross sections at mean electron energies below 1 eV, but are about 50% too high at mean energies above about 2 eV. Application of the technique to H2 did not yield useful vibrational excitation coefficients. The effective coefficients in H2–CO2 mixtures were a factor of about 3 times the predicted values. For our H2–CO mixtures the excitation of CO via excitation transfer from H2 is small compared to direct electron excitation of CO molecules. Published experiments and theories on electron–H2 and electron–D2 collisions are reviewed to obtain the cross sections used in the predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a compilation of recommended positron-molecule cross sections for a range of scattering processes including elastic scattering, vibrational excitation, discrete electronic-state excitation, positronium formation, ionization, and also for the grand total cross section. Where possible, in particular for possible application in positron transport simulations for a given molecule, we try and list data for energies in the range 0.1-1000 eV although in practice the actual energy is highly target-molecule and scattering process specific. Aside from being relevant to positron transport studies, through, for example, Monte Carlo simulations, the present compilation should also be germane for benchmarking the validity and accuracy of positron-molecule scattering calculations and, just as importantly, to allow a comparison with corresponding electron scattering results. That latter comparison can shed real light on the projectile-target interactions that underpin the scattering dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a range of cross section measurements for the low-energy scattering of positrons from pyridine, for incident positron energies of less than 20 eV, as well as the independent atom model with the screening corrected additivity rule including interference effects calculation, of positron scattering from pyridine, with dipole rotational excitations accounted for using the Born approximation. Comparisons are made between the experimental measurements and theoretical calculations. For the positronium formation cross section, we also compare with results from a recent empirical model. In general, quite good agreement is seen between the calculations and measurements although some discrepancies remain which may require further investigation. It is hoped that the present study will stimulate development of ab initio level theoretical methods to be applied to this important scattering system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report measurements of differential cross sections for elastic electron scattering from CF3. These experiments were performed at nine incident electron energies in the range 7–50 eV and over a scattered electron angular range of 20°–135°. Where possible, results from the present measurements are compared with those from earlier R-matrix and Schwinger multichannel computations, as well as those from an extended independent atom model approach that were calculated as a part of the present study. Agreement with theory is generally good at energies above 20 eV, but for 20 eV and below the magnitude of the measured differential cross sections are significantly larger than those predicted by all the theories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present article we employ positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and secondary ion mass spectrometry to study the thermal evolution of vacancy related defects in fluorine-implanted germanium. We find that fluorine enriches the germanium matrix with various vacancy-like clusters that show both concentration and annealing temperature-dependent behaviour. We demonstrate that low fluorine concentrations saturate the Ge matrix with large concentrations of divacancy-like complexes that are effectively removed after moderate annealing. High fluorine concentrations, however, appear to stabilize a large component of monovacancy-like complexes in the near-surface region of the Ge substrates. These monovacancy-like complexes also appear to be thermodynamically stable, even after high-temperature annealing. The nucleation and thermal evolution of these vacancy-like defects may have particular importance in the fabrication and control of future germanium electronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report absolute differential cross sections for elastic electron scattering from SiF4. The incident electron energy range is 1.5-200 eV, while the scattered electron angular range was from 15° to 150°. The absolute scale of the differential cross sections was set using the relative flow technique with helium as the reference species. Corresponding integral elastic and momentum transfer data have been derived from our differential measurements. As a part of this study, independent atom model calculations were also performed. Those computations were found to be in generally quite good accord with the experimental results at both the differential and integral levels. In addition, excitation function measurements at a scattering angle of 60? and in the energy range 1-14 eV for the ν3 (d-stretch) and ν4 (d-deformation) fundamental vibrational modes are reported. Finally, differential cross sections for all four fundamental modes (ν1, ν2, ν3, ν4) at the single electron energy of 7 eV are given. These vibrational excitation measurements, when coupled with the elastic angular distributions in the 5-8 eV energy range, demonstrate the presence of a t2-symmetry shape resonance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transport properties of positron swarms in water vapour under the influence of electric and magnetic fields are investigated using a Monte Carlo simulation technique and a multi-term theory for solving the Boltzmann equation. Special attention is paid to the correct treatment of the nonconservative nature of positronium (Ps) formation and its explicit and implicit influences on various positron transport properties. Many interesting and atypical phenomena induced by these influences are identified and discussed. Calculated transport properties for positrons are compared with those for electrons, and the most important differences are highlighted. The significant impact of a magnetic field on non-conservative positron transport in a crossed field configuration is also investigated. In general, the mean energy and diffusion coefficients are lowered, while for the measurable drift velocity an unexpected phenomenon arises: for certain values of the reduced electric field, the magnetic field enhances the drift. The variation of transport coefficients with the reduced electric and magnetic fields is addressed using physical arguments with the goal of understanding the synergistic effects of Ps formation and magnetic field on the drift and diffusion of positrons in neutral gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a complete set of positron interaction cross sections for scattering from Ar, for incident energies ranging from 0 to 10 keV. Experimental data have been critically reviewed from previous experiments performed at the Australian National University and University College London. Differential and integral cross sections, including the effect of positronium formation, have been calculated by using two different optical potential methods. The results of these calculations, in combination with experimental cross sections and experimental energy-loss spectra, have been established as input parameters for an event-by-event Monte Carlo simulation procedure to generate single positron tracks in argon. The reliability of this method to obtain energy deposition models at the nano-scale is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-energy interactions of positrons with xenon have been studied both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental measurements were carried out using a trap-based positron beam with an energy resolution of ~80 meV, while the theoretical calculations were carried out using the convergent close-coupling method and the relativistic optical potential approach. Absolute values of the grand total, positronium formation and grand total minus positronium formation cross sections are presented over the energy range of 1-60 eV. Elastic differential cross sections (DCS), for selected energies, are also presented both below and above the positronium formation threshold. Fine energy-step measurements of the positronium formation cross section over the energy range of 4.4-8.4 eV, and measurements of the elastic DCS at the energies of 5.33 and 6.64 eV, have been carried out to investigate the ionization threshold regions corresponding to the ²P3/2 and ²P1/2 states of the Xe+ ion. The present results are compared with both experimental and theoretical values from the literature where available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Motivated by an increasing number of applications, new techniques in the analysis of electron transport have been developed over the past 30 years or so, but similar methods had yet to be applied to positrons. Recently, an in-depth look at positron transport in pure argon gas has been performed using a recently established comprehensive set of cross sections and well-established Monte Carlo simulations. The key novelty as compared to electron transport is the effect of positronium formation which changes the number of particles and has a strong energy dependence. This coupled with spatial separation by energy of the positron swarm leads to counterintuitive behavior of some of the transport coefficients. Finally new results in how the presence of an applied magnetic field affects the transport coefficients are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An instrument has been designed and constructed to provide new insights into fundamental, low energy positron scattering processes. The design is based on the Surko trap system and produces a pulsed positron beam with an energy resolution of as good as 54 meV. The design and operation of the apparatus is explained, while the first experimental results from this apparatus have been demonstrated in recent publications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the results of measurements and calculations for elastic electron scattering from 3-hydroxytetrahydrofuran (C4H8O2). The measurements are performed with a crossed electron-target beam apparatus and the absolute cross-sections are determined using the relative flow technique. The calculations are carried out using the Schwinger multichannel method in the static-exchange plus polarization (SEP) approximation. A set of angular differential cross-sections (DCS) is provided at five incident energies (6.5, 8, 10, 15 and 20 eV) over an angular range of 20-130°, and the energy dependence of the elastic DCS at a scattering angle of 120° is also presented. Integral elastic and elastic momentum transfer cross-sections have also been derived and calculated. The results are compared with those of recent measurements and calculations for the structurally similar molecule tetrahydrofuran (C4H8O). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents a new type of low-energy crossed-beam electron spectrometer for measuring angular differential cross sections of electron-impact excitation of atomic and molecular targets. Designed for investigations at energies close to excitation thresholds, the spectrometer combines a pulsed electron beam with the time-of-flight technique to distinguish between scattering channels. A large-area, position-sensitive detector is used to offset the low average scattering rate resulting from the pulsing duty cycle, without sacrificing angular resolution. A total energy resolution better than 150 meV (full width at half maximum) at scattered energies of 0.5–3 eV is achieved by monochromating the electron beam prior to pulsing it. The results of a precision measurement of the differential cross section for electron-impact excitation of helium, at an energy of 22 eV, are used to assess the sensitivity and resolution of the spectrometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results for elastic electron collision cross-sections with tetrahydrofuran (C4H8O) in the energy range of 6.5-50 eV. The absolute crosssections are determined from crossed beam measurements using the relative flow technique and cover the angular range between 10? and 130?. Integral and momentum transfer cross-sections have also been derived from these results. The data, where possible, are compared to recent experimental results and theoretical calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe a high flux source of cold (80 K) metastable helium atoms. The source employs a direct current nozzle discharge which produces in excess of 10[sup 15] atoms/steradian/s. Liquid nitrogen cooling of the discharge source yields atomic velocities below 900 ms[sup -1]. Such a source has practical applications for experiments concerned with laser cooling and trapping of metastable helium atoms. © 2001 American Institute of Physics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present results of measurements and calculations of elastic electron scattering from 1,4-dioxane in the energy range of 0-1000 eV. Absolute differential and integral elastic cross sections have been measured using a crossed electron-molecule beam spectrometer and the relative flow technique, at four energies in the 10-30 eV range and for scattered electrons in the angular range 20°-129°. The measured cross sections are compared with results from R-matrix computations, at the static exchange plus polarization level, calculated at energies between 0-20 eV, and with calculations employing the independent atom model with the screening corrected additivity rule (IAM-SCAR). Those latter computations were conducted at energies between 1 and 1000 eV. Agreement between the measured and R-matrix cross sections was typically found to be good at all common energies, whereas agreement with IAM-SCAR was satisfactory only at 30 eV. To the best of our knowledge, the present results are the first absolute data to be published in the literature for this scattering system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetic theory of non-relativistic positrons in an idealized positron emission tomography PET environment is developed by solving the Boltzmann equation, allowing for coherent and incoherent elastic, inelastic, ionizing and annihilating collisions through positronium formation. An analytic expression is obtained for the positronium formation rate, as a function of distance from a spherical source, in terms of the solutions of the general kinetic eigenvalue problem. Numerical estimates of the positron range - a fundamental limitation on the accuracy of PET, are given for positrons in a model of liquid water, a surrogate for human tissue. Comparisons are made with the 'gas-phase' assumption used in current models in which coherent scattering is suppressed. Our results show that this assumption leads to an error of the order of a factor of approximately 2, emphasizing the need to accurately account for the structure of the medium in PET simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]