Comparison of Low-Energy Total and Momentum-Transfer Scattering Cross Sections for Electrons on Helium and Argon

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Abstract
Modified effective-range theory has allowed an unambiguous extrapolation of recent total electron-atom and -molecule scattering cross sections to zero energy. This extrapolation completely determines the differential scattering cross section and therefore the momentum transfer or diffusion cross section for the range of applicability of the effective-range theory. Calculations of momentum-transfer cross sections derived from the total cross-section data of Golden and Bandel for the cases of He and Ar are presented and discussed. It is shown that diffusion cross sections obtained by unfolding swarm experiment data are inconsistent with diffusion cross sections obtained from total cross-section data using effective-range theory.