Integral Electron Scattering Cross Sections from N₂O for Impact Energies Ranging from 1 to 1000 eV

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Chemical Physics
• Radiation Physics

Background:

• Accurate electron scattering cross sections are crucial for modeling radiation transport.
• Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is a molecule of interest in various atmospheric and industrial applications.
• Existing databases for N₂O electron scattering may lack sufficient accuracy or energy range.

Purpose of the Study:

• To accurately measure total cross sections (TCS) for electron scattering by N₂O molecules.
• To develop a comprehensive and consistent database of electron-N₂O scattering cross sections.
• To improve the accuracy of radiation-induced transport models involving N₂O.

Main Methods:

• Experimental measurement of TCS using a magnetically confined electron transmission apparatus (1-200 eV).
• Theoretical calculations using the independent atom-based screening corrected additivity rule, including interference (IAM-SCAR + I) method (up to 1000 eV).
• Critical analysis and consistency check with existing literature data for elastic and inelastic cross sections.

Main Results:

• Accurate TCS data for electron scattering by N₂O within 5% accuracy were obtained.
• A complete reference TCS data set was established for the energy range of 1-1000 eV.
• Consistent sets of integral elastic and inelastic cross sections (rotational, vibrational, electronic excitation, ionization, electron attachment) were derived.

Conclusions:

• The study provides an updated and reliable collisional database for electron-N₂O interactions.
• The derived cross sections are consistent with accurate TCS measurements.
• This enhanced database is expected to improve the precision of radiation transport simulations involving N₂O.