Differential cross sections for electron impact excitation of the C 3Piu, E 3Sigmag+ and a" 1Sigmag+ states of N2

Differential cross sections for electron impact excitation of the optically forbidden C 3Piu, E 3Sigmag+ and a" 1Sigmag+ states of N2 have been measured at incident energies of 17.5 and 20 eV and over the angular range 10 to 100 degrees . Cross sections for vibrational and electronic transitions have been obtained. Integral electronic cross sections for the C 3Piu and E 3Sigmag+ states have also been determined. The present results are compared with previous experimental and theoretical studies.