Electron scattering from molecules relevant to Titan's atmosphere

Abstract

Present article reports calculation of elastic, momentum transfer, ionization, and total cross sections for electron scattering from C2N2, C4N2, C6N2, and HC5N molecules, relevant to Titan's atmosphere. The cross sections are predicted using spherical complex optical potential and complex potential ionization contribution method in the energy range from ionization threshold of the molecules to 5 keV. The cross section data reported here consider geometrical screening correction to avoid overestimation of cross section due to the overlap of charge density. A strong correlation is observed between Qionmax and (α/I)12 for C2N2, C4N2, and C6N2 molecular systems, which confirms the consistency of predicted ionization data. The cross sections reported here are important for mass spectrometry, especially in modelling Titan's atmosphere due the presence of these molecules along with abundant electrons in its environment. Most of the data are reported for the first time.