Vibrational excitation of N2O by electron impact via resonant processes in the 2 eV region: an angular study

The angular behaviour of the differential cross sections for vibrational excitation of N2O by electron impact has been measured in the 1.4-3.1 eV energy range. These observations have been interpreted using angular correlation theory and lead one to propose that both Sigma and Pi resonances are present, each with only one contributing partial wave. Above 2.4 eV the Pi contribution would be twice that of Sigma and below 1.8 eV only the Sigma state would be present. These conclusions have been shown to be consistent with the angular distributions for O- formation measured previously where a reinterpretation of these results would also indicate the presence of both resonances. Finally, an angular study of vibrational excitation through the 8 eV resonance indicates Sigma symmetry with a single p sigma wave.