Resonant vibrational excitation ofH2by electron impact: Full-range differential cross sections

Abstract

Electron-impact vibrational excitation of the hydrogen molecule has been revisited in the energy region from 1 to 5 eV. A crossed-beam double trochoidal electron spectrometer is used. Forward and backward scattered electrons from the v=0{yields}1 excitation channel are separated by electron-beam modulation and time-of-flight detection technique. Present results are normalized and absolute values of differential cross sections at critical border angles of 0 deg. and 180 deg. are determined. In this way the differential cross-section measurements are completed in the full angular range from 0 deg. to 180 deg.