Absolute Cross Sections of Lithium and Other Alkali Metal Atoms for Ionization by Electrons

Abstract

The absolute cross section for ionization by electron impact has been measured for lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium by a modulated-crossed-beam technique. The measurement for lithium is described in detail, inasmuch as it has never been previously measured. The cross sections for the other alkali metals are included and compared with prior measurements for reference.