Resonant vibrational excitation of H2 by electron impact: Full-range differential cross sections

Abstract

Electron-impact vibrational excitation of the hydrogen molecule has been revisited in the energy region from 1 to 5 eV. A crossed-beam double trochoidal electron spectrometer is used. Forward and backward scattered electrons from the v=0→1 excitation channel are separated by electron-beam modulation and time-of-flight detection technique. Present results are normalized and absolute values of differential cross sections at critical border angles of 0 ° and 180° are determined. In this way the differential cross-section measurements are completed in the full angular range from 0° to 180°. © 2010 The American Physical Society.