Elastic scattering of electrons by free and bound zinc and cadmium atoms

Abstract

Elastic differential and total cross sections are presented for electron scattering by zinc and cadmium using the optical model. The cross sections are determined for scattering by free atoms and by atoms bound in a solid. The phase shifts are obtained from solutions to the reduced radial wave equation based on an optical potential consisting of static, polarization, and exchange terms. Electron energies from 12.5 to 200 eV are considered. Differences in the total cross section from using two different forms of the exchange potential are examined. A simple parametric fit of the total cross section which is suitable for Monte Carlo applications is given.