Elastic and absorption electron collisions with acetaldehyde

Abstract

We report a theoretical–experimental investigation on elastic electron scattering by acetaldehyde (CH $$_3$$ CHO) in the 0.5–800 eV energy range. Theoretically, the Pade approximation and the single-center partial-wave expansion method were applied to solve the Lippmann–Schwinger scattering equation, whereas a molecular complex optical potential was used to describe the electron–molecule interaction. Calculations in the independent-atom framework were also performed. Angular distributions of the elastically scattered electrons were measured in the 10 $$^{\circ }$$ –130 $$^{\circ }$$ and 30–800 eV ranges using a crossed beams geometry. Absolute values of differential cross sections were derived by the relative flow technique. In addition, integral and momentum transfer cross sections were obtained from the experimental and theoretical differential cross sections via a numerical integration procedure. Comparison between our results and previous experimental and theoretical calculations is made.