Electron collisions with trifluorides: BF3 and PF3 molecules.

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Electron Scattering Physics

Background:

• Understanding electron interactions with molecules is crucial for various applications.
• Boron trifluoride (BF3) and phosphorus trifluoride (PF3) are important industrial chemicals with limited electron scattering data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure absolute total cross sections (TCSs) for electron scattering from BF3 and PF3.
• To analyze the energy dependence of TCSs and identify key features like resonant enhancements.
• To compare the scattering behavior of BF3 and PF3 with related compounds.

Main Methods:

• Absolute total cross sections (TCSs) were measured using a linear transmission method.
• Electron energies ranged from 0.5-0.6 eV to 370 eV for both molecules.
• Data were compared with previous studies on perfluorides and perhydrided counterparts.

Main Results:

• BF3 exhibits enhancements near 3.6 eV, 21 eV, and 45 eV.
• PF3 shows a high TCS at low energies, decreasing steeply, with enhancements near 11 eV and 35 eV.
• Significant differences in low-energy dependence and overall TCS magnitude were observed between BF3 and PF3.

Conclusions:

• The study provides comprehensive TCS data for BF3 and PF3 across a wide energy range.
• The observed features highlight unique electron scattering characteristics of these trifluoride molecules.
• Comparative analysis reveals distinct interactions influenced by molecular structure and composition.