Scattering of e∓ from ytterbium atoms

Abstract

The differential, total, momentum transfer and viscosity cross sections for the elastic scattering of electrons and positrons by ytterbium atoms have been calculated. We have also calculated the total inelastic and ionization cross sections. In addition, the Sherman function S(θ) and the inelastic mean free paths have been determined for the scattering of both projectiles. The critical minima in the elastic differential cross sections (DCS) were determined from the analysis of the DCS and S(θ). These investigations have been carried out within the framework of two different theoretical approaches at the impact energies 1 eV–0.5 GeV for both projectiles. In the atomic domain the solution involves a complex projectile-atom optical potential while in the nuclear domain only the nuclear potential has been employed. Both approaches employ the Dirac partial wave analysis. Our results are in reasonable agreement with available experimental data and other theoretical findings. To the best of our knowledge, for positron scattering, there are no experimental data available in the literature.