Resonance Phenomena in Electron-Atom Collisions

Depending on the energy of the collision, the scattering of electrons by atoms or atomic ions is the fundamental process in plasma physics, in laser cavities, nuclear fusion reactions, quantum chemistry, astrophysics and the physics of the upper atomosphere.

The positions and intensities of resonances yield information on the formation of quasi-stationary autoionizing states.

The first two-thirds of this text is devoted to a detailed exposition of the methods of calculating such scattering resonances, introducing a simplified Feshback diagonalization method.

Comparisons with other calculational techniques are drawn.

The final third is a comprehensive review of electron scattering experiments, with data on hydrogen, the alkalis, group II elements, and rare gases (both neutral atoms and atomic cations).