Differential and integral cross sections for excitation of the electronic states of nitric oxide by low energy electron impact: Observation of a (sup 2)(Pi)(sub r) (yields) (sup 2)(Phi) excitation process

摘要

Low energy (E(sub o) = 15 - 40 eV), high energy-resolution, electron energy loss spectra of nitric oxide (NO) have been measured and spectrally deconvolved. This process yielded the first direct absolute differential cross sections (DCS) for electron-impact excitation of the electronic states of the NO molecule. Integration of these DCS give integral cross sections (ICS) which confirm earlier estimates that the magnitudes of the NO ICS are one to two orders smaller that the analogues transitions in N(sub 2) and O(sub 2). In this letter is presented a clear evidence for the observation of the L/(sup 2)(Phi) electronic state, this being the first time a (sup 2)(Pi)(sub r)(yields)(sup 2)(Phi) excitation transition has been seen in an electron scattering experiment. 38 refs., 3 figs. (Atomindex citation 28:039324)