Absence of resonances in the elastic scattering of electrons in molecular solids

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Abstract
We explain why experiments by Sanche and co‐workers show no resonance effects in the elastic scattering of electrons by solid N2, while the same effects are conspicuous in inelastic channels. Briefly stated, our idea is that, once an electron is captured by a molecule in condensed matter, its charge induces an electric polarization of many neighboring molecules. The nuclear displacements arising from this polarization are unlikely to relax promptly upon electron autodetachment, thus dissipating part of the electron’s initial energy. We point out some consequences of our interpretation in contexts of interest to radiation physics and chemistry.