Convergent close-coupling calculations of electron - helium scattering

Abstract

We present a review of the recent electron - helium calculations and experiments concentrating on the extensive application of the convergent close-coupling (CCC) method. Elastic, excitation, and ionization processes are considered, as well as excitation of the metastable states. The present status of agreement between theory and experiment for elastic and discrete excitations of the ground-state is, in our view, quite satisfactory. However, discrepancies for excitation of the metastable states are substantial and invite urgent attention. Application of the CCC method to the calculation of differential ionization cross sections is encouraging, but also shows some fundamental difficulties.