Total cross sections for positron collisions with sodium and lithium

Abstract

The total cross sections for positron collisions with sodium and lithium are calculated, employing the modified Glauber (MG) approximations within the model potential approach. The MG total cross sections for positron and electron collisions with the lighter alkali atom (Li) are found to merge at a rather low energy, while those with the heavier alkali atom (Na), as in the case of potassium, are found not to merge, even at an energy as high as 1000 eV. The MG total cross sections for electron scattering from sodium are in fair agreement with the present experimental data at low intermediate energies.