Electron impact ionization of CH4 for different momentum transfers

Abstract

The electron impact single ionization of the outer valence orbital 1t2 of methane is investigated theoretically using an expansion on Generalized Sturmian Functions. Triple differential cross sections, calculated for several coplanar asymmetric geometries, are compared with other theoretical models and with two sets of relative experimental data (incident energy of 500 eV and 250 eV). An analysis with respect to the momentum transfer is presented. A double peak structure in the cross section binary region, a clear signature of the p-nature of the molecular orbital, is predicted for given kinematical conditions.