Panel Discussion Electron Molecule Collisions

Let me point out why I think there is some strong experimental evidence concerning the existence of a new resonance in the scattering of low-energy electrons by molecules. We call these resonances rotational resonances, because they can be viewed as a virtual excitation of a rotational transition. In this resonance the kinetic energy of the electron is below threshold for rotational excitation. Excitation is virtually possible, however, if the electron is temporarily attached to the molecule thus providing the required energy defect from its “affinity.”