The classical capture cross section of an electron and neutral and anionic polarizable molecules with permanent dipole moments

Abstract

The energy dependent capture cross sections of electrons and polarizable neutral molecules with permanent dipole moments and with and without an additional negative charge are calculated classically. The results can be expressed in lengths and energies scaled with parameters that derive from the polarizability, dipole moment and charge. Cross sections integrated over impact angles are given. The results are of interest for both electron attachment and for thermal electron emission. The consequences for thermal electron emission spectra are discussed quantitatively.