Absolute total cross section measurements for intermediate energy electron scattering. II. N₂, O₂and NO

Abstract

For pt.I, see ibid., vol.12, p.3787 (1979). Total absolute cross section measurements are presented for electrons scattered by O2, N2 and NO molecules. The energy range covered spans from 100 to 1600 eV. Neglecting the systematic error introduced by the finite angular resolution of the apparatus, the experimental accuracy has been estimated to be +or-2.5%. This systematic effect could necessitate an upward correction of as much as 13% at 1000 eV in N2. No similar evaluation was possible for O2 and NO. A comparison is given for N2 with existing measurements. The agreement is reasonable. The results for O2 are compatible with the existing data in the low-energy range. No comparison was possible for NO.