(e,2e) Partial Ionization Cross Sections for n-Butane

Energy-dependent partial differential ionization cross sections at constant incident electron energies and their integral cross sections for n-butane (n-C₄H₁₀) by electron impact corresponding to the formation of various major cations are calculated using a revisited Jain-Khare semiempirical formulation. Averaged energies of the secondary electrons are also derived from the differential cross sections. The ionization rate coefficients as a function of the temperature are evaluated from integral partial ionization cross sections and Maxwell-Boltzmann energy distributions. Calculations of cross sections include the Bethe analytical extrapolation at higher energies up to 6 keV. A satisfactory agreement of the calculated partial and total ionization cross sections with the available experimental and theoretical results is noted.