Low-energy electron attachment to $\text{NO}_2$: absolute cross sections

TL;DR

This study measures absolute electron attachment cross sections to NO₂, identifying resonances that challenge existing scattering data and suggest the need for database updates.

Contribution

It provides new absolute electron attachment cross sections and resonance positions for NO₂, highlighting discrepancies with existing data and prompting database revisions.

Findings

Resonances identified in electron attachment to NO₂.

Observed resonance positions differ from previous calculations.

Current TCS databases may need updating based on new data.

Abstract

Resonances from electron attachment to $\text{NO}_2$ have been identified in the total electron scattering cross sections (TCS) measured with a magnetically confined electron transmission apparatus. The corresponding absolute electron attachment cross sections have been derived from the TCS values through a self-consistent scattering channel deconvolution process. The positions of some of these resonances are consistent with previous elastic scattering calculations and dissociative electron attachment experiments. However, both the observed positions and the magnitude of the present resonance cross sections are in contradiction with the available recommended TCS values thus suggesting that electron scattering cross section databases need to be updated. Keywords: electron scattering resonances, negative ion formation, electron attachment cross sections