Inner shell and valence shell electronic excitation of ClF 3 by high energy electron impact. An investigation of potential barrier effects

Abstract

Inner shell (Cl 2p, 2s and F 1s) and valence shell electron energy loss spectra of ClF 3 have been measured under conditions of high impact energy (3–3.7 keV) and zero degree scattering angle. The Coulombic potential barrier model is found to provide an extremely satisfactory understanding of (a) the co-existence in ClF 3 of intense shape resonances and also intense Rydberg transitions plus direct ionization; and (b) the number and symmetry of the continuum shape resonances observed in the ISEELS spectra of ClF 3. The physical significance of the Coulombic potential barrier is further demonstrated in a comparison of the central atom inner shell spectra of SF 6, ClF 3 and HCl.