Resonant vibrational excitation of CO by low-energy electrons

Abstract

Electron impact vibrational excitation of the CO molecule, via the Π2 resonance, in the 0-4 eV energy region has been investigated. The energy dependence of the resonant excitation of the first ten vibrational levels, v=1 to v=10, has been measured by use of a crossed-beams double trochoidal electron spectrometer. Obtained relative differential cross sections are normalized to the absolute values. Integral cross sections are determined by using our recent results on scattered electrons angular distributions, which demonstrate clear p -partial wave character of this resonance. Substructures appear in the Π2 resonant excitation of the CO molecule which have not been previously observed. © 2006 The American Physical Society.