Electron Scattering Cross-Section Calculations for Atomic and Molecular Iodine

Harindranath Ambalampitiya,Klaus Bartschat,Jonathan Tennyson,Anna Dzarasova,Kathryn Hamilton,Matt Turner,Oleg Zatsarinny

doi:10.3390/atoms9040103

Harindranath Ambalampitiya, Klaus Bartschat + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/atoms9040103

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Abstract

Cross sections for electron scattering from atomic and molecular iodine are calculated based on the R-matrix (close-coupling) method. Elastic and electronic excitation cross sections are presented for both I and I2. The dissociative electron attachment and vibrational excitation cross sections of the iodine molecule are obtained using the local complex potential approximation. Ionization cross sections are also computed for I2 using the BEB model.

Highlights

Electron-scattering cross-section data for atomic and molecular iodine are important for plasma simulations and electric propulsion (EP) applications
The elastic cross section exhibits a Ramsauer minimum, which is clearly visible for the 4d10 5p5 (2 P1/2 ) state at about 1 eV
In contrast to the present calculation, the D(irac) B-Spline R-matrix (DBSR) model contained configurations that were built with pseudo-orbitals to account for polarization effects on the two lowest states

Summary

Introduction

Electron-scattering cross-section data for atomic and molecular iodine are important for plasma simulations and electric propulsion (EP) applications. In an EP system [1,2], an ionized gas (plasma) is accelerated electrostatically to generate thrust. This form of thrust generation significantly increases the payload-to-spacecraft mass ratio as compared to conventional chemical propulsion. The state-of-the-art propellant gas for EP has been xenon (Xe) due to its high atomic mass, low ionization potential, and lack of toxicity. It must be stored in highpressure environments.

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