Cross sections for electron collisions with NF3

Abstract

A comprehensive calculation of electron impact scattering by NF${}_{3}$ molecule is reported in this article. Total cross sections were presented over electron impact energies from 1 eV to 5 keV. The ab initio R-matrix method was employed through QUANTEMOL-N software for low-energy calculations and spherical complex optical potential formalism for intermediate to high-energy calculations. The consistency of data at the overlapping energy (\ensuremath{\sim}14 eV) from these theories allows us to predict total cross sections for such an extensive energy range. Electronic excitation, rotational excitation, and differential cross sections were calculated using the $R$-matrix method at low incident energies. In the present study, resonances were detected at 5.6 and 6.2 eV, indicating the probability of anions formation by the electron attachment process and further decay to neutral and negative ion fragments. In general, the present results show overall agreement with previous theories and experiments, wherever available. A maiden attempt to calculate $e$-NF${}_{3}$ rotational excitation cross sections is also undertaken.