Resonances in Electron Impact on Atoms

Abstract

Electrons colliding with atoms can form, at well-defined energies, compound states consisting of the target atom plus the incident electron. The compound states, which are also called "resonances" or "temporary negative ions," often dominate electron collision processes. In this review we discuss the experimental methods which are useful for studying these resonances, and review the results obtained by various investigators. We list the energies and the widths of resonances for H, He, Ne, Ar, Kr, Xe, Li, Na, Hg, and O. The configurations and other properties of resonances in atoms are discussed. Whenever applicable, results are presented in the form of tables and energy level diagrams.