Relativistic distorted-wave calculation of inelastic electron-alkali atom scattering

Abstract:

The relativistic distorted-wave method was used to perform calculations for electron impact excitation of the first (n levels of Na, K and Rb at incident electron energies in the range 20-200 eV. Scattering parameters presented include differential and integrated cross sections, differential and integrated Stokes parameters, generalized STU-parameters and various collisional alignment and orientation parameters. Comparisons with experiment and other theories are in agreement except for cases where first-order methods have been previously proven to be insufficient. Relativistic effects, mainly due to the spin-orbit interaction, have been found to be prominent for rubidium.