Electron-Atom Collisions

This book is a comprehensive introduction to theory and experiment in electron-atom collisions.

Ian E. McCarthy (Author), Erich Weigold (Author)

9780521019682, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 15 September 2005

344 pages, 90 b/w illus. 21 tables
24.5 x 17 x 1.9 cm, 0.553 kg

This book is a comprehensive introduction to electron-atom collisions, covering both theory and experiment. The interaction of electrons with atoms is the field that most deeply probes both the structure and reaction dynamics of a many-body system. The book begins with a short account of experimental techniques of cross-section measurement. It then introduces the essential quantum mechanics background needed. The following chapters cover one-electron problems (from the classic particle in a box to a relativistic electron in a central potential), the theory of atomic bound states, formal scattering theory, calculation of scattering amplitudes, spin-independent and spin-dependent scattering observables, ionisation and electron momentum spectroscopy. The connections between experimental and theoretical developments are emphasised throughout.

Preface
1. Introduction
2. Experimental techniques for cross-section measurements
3. Background quantum mechanics in the atomic context
4. One-electron problems
5. Theory of atomic bound states
6. Formal scattering theory
7. Calculation of scattering amplitudes
8. Spin-independent scattering observables
9. Spin-dependent scattering observables
10. Ionisation
11. Electron momentum spectroscopy
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Quantum physics [quantum mechanics & quantum field theory PHQ], Atomic & molecular physics [PHM]