Strong resonances in low-energy electron elastic total and differential cross sections for Hf and Lu atoms

Abstract

Very low-energy electron elastic total and differential cross sections for Hf and Lu atoms exhibit dramatically sharp resonances, whose energy positions are identified with their electron affinities, which are comparable in magnitude with those of Ca and Sr atoms, thus making Hf and Lu atoms suitable candidates for use in the quenching of Rydberg states. The calculation used the recent Regge-pole methodology which embeds the crucial electron correlation effects, with a Thomas-Fermi-type potential incorporating the vital core-polarization interaction. The near-threshold total cross sections for Hf and Lu are contrasted with those of Yb, Ca, and Sr atoms.