Measurements of electron impact optical excitation functions

Abstract

Optical excitation function measurements for electron-atom and electron-ion collisions are reviewed. Sources of experimental error are discussed and, for cases in which adequate documentation is provided, publications are reviewed for accuracy of experimental method. The effects of polarization of the emitted radiation and methods of normalization are considered. The reliability of specific reported data is discussed based on these considerations, on the results of consistency checks, and, where possible, on comparison with other measurements. Data sources for 50 atoms and 20 atomic ions are identified. Comparative plots are presented for cases in which enough data are available: H, $\mathrm{He}(n^{1}S, n^{1}P, n^{1}D, 4^{3}S, 3^{3}P)$, ${\mathrm{He}}^{+}$, Ne, ${\mathrm{Ne}}^{+}$, Ar, ${\mathrm{Ar}}^{+}$, Xe, Li, Na, K, Mg, ${\mathrm{Mg}}^{+}$, Ca, Sr, ${\mathrm{Sr}}^{+}$, Cu, ${\mathrm{Zn}}^{+}$, Cd, Hg, and Mn.