Electron scattering by magnesium: excitation of the 3s4s 1S0, 3s3d 1D2 and 3s4p 1P1 states

Abstract

Differential cross sections (DCSs) for electron impact excitation of the 3s4s 1S0, 3s3d 1D2 and 3s4p 1P1 states in magnesium at incident electron energies of 10, 20, 40, 60 eV have been measured. The energy-loss spectra within the energy range of the 3s4s 1S0, 3s3d 1D2, 3s4p 1P1 and 3s3p 1P1 states have been recorded up to 150°. The absolute DCSs were determined by using inelastic (3s4s 1S0, 3s3d 1D2, 3s4p 1P1)-to-inelastic (3s3p 1P1 resonance state) intensity ratios and DCSs for the resonance state (Filipović et al 2006b J. Phys. B: At. Mol. Opt. Phys. 39 2583). The absolute DCSs were extrapolated to 0° and 180° and then integrated to yield integral, momentum transfer and viscosity cross sections. The results have been analysed and compared with available experimental data and theoretical calculations.