Inelastic Scattering from Atoms at Medium Energies. I. Bound States

Abstract

The problem of computing differential scattering cross sections for the inelastic scattering of 10–80 kv electrons from atoms is treated. Expressions for the electron scattering factor for the excitation of bound states of atoms for small excitation energies are presented using the first Born approximation. The scattering factor and differential cross section for argon at 40 kv have been calculated neglecting spin and polarization effects. Both Hartree—Fock and Slater central‐field wave functions were used in these calculations. Selection rules for electron excitation of bound states of atoms and the behavior of the total inelastic scattering intensity at small scattering angles are discussed. Approximate formulas for the first Born approximation total cross sections have also been derived.