Cross sections for the formation pathways via CH4 fragmentation by electron impact

Abstract

The mechanisms for production due to methane fragmentation by electron impact in the 22 to 400 eV energy range were investigated using the delayed extraction time-of-flight technique. Absolute cross sections for the two possible channels, + H2 and + 2 H, and the corresponding kinetic energy distributions of were obtained. Furthermore, the average kinetic energy release of H2 and H neutrals for these two reactions were estimated as 0.3 eV and 2.1 eV, respectively. The dynamics governing these two pathways is discussed.