The Momentum Transfer Cross Section for Electrons in Mercury Vapour from 0·1 to 5 eV

Abstract

The momentum transfer cross section for electrons in mercury vapour has been derived over the energy range 0·1-5 eV from the drift velocity data of Elford (1980). The cross section has a resonance at 0·5 eV with a maximum value of 180 A 2 (1· 8 x 10-18 m2). It is shown that previous cross sections derived either from experimental data or obtained by ab initio calculations are incompatible with the drift velocity data.