Total cross sections for electron scattering from N2and He

Abstract
An apparatus has been constructed to measure the total cross section for electron scattering by atoms and molecules. It can be viewed as a linearisation of the Ramsauer technique with a well defined solid angle for the analyser/collector. Measurements of He and N2 have been carried out for 15-750 eV electrons. The data obtained link up with the existing data at low energies within the experimental uncertainty. For He perfect agreement is found with the Born approximation above 200 eV.