Low-energy electron scattering by atomic carbon

Abstract

Matrix variational calculations of electron scattering by atomic C have been carried out, including target atom configurations 2s22p2, 2s2p3, and 2p4 and all possible single virtual excitations of the 2p orbital. Total and differential elastic and inelastic cross sections are reported for energies below the first n=3 excitation threshold. In the lowest energy range, scattering is dominated by a Po2 shape resonance. The position of this resonance, which is sensitive to small differences of electronic correlation energy, is parametrized by a net correlation energy parameter whose value is chosen to place the Do2 state of C- at its experimental position, just below the neutral ground state. Estimates are given of the rate constants for deactivation of the D1, S1, and So5 states by thermal electrons. © 1975 The American Physical Society.