Electron interactions with Cl-2

Low-energy electron interactions with the Cl-2 molecule are reviewed. Infor mation is synthesized and assessed on the cross sections for total electron scattering, total rotational excitation, total elastic electron scattering , momentum transfer, total vibrational excitation, electronic excitation, t otal dissociation into neutrals, total ionization, total electron attachmen t, and ion-pair formation. Similar data on the density-reduced ionization, density-reduced electron attachment, density-reduced effective ionization, electron trans port coefficients, and electron attachment rate constant are also synthesized and critically evaluated. Cross sections are suggested fo r total electron scattering, total elastic electron scattering, total ioniz ation, dissociation into neutrals, electron attachment, and ion-pair format ion. A cross section is derived for the total vibrational excitation cross section via low-lying negative ion resonances. Data are suggested for the c oefficients for electron I attachment, ionization, and effective ionization , and for the rate constant for electron attachment. While progress has bee n made regarding our knowledge on electron-chlorine interactions at low ene rgies (<100 eV), there is still a need for: (i) improvement in the uncertai nties of all suggested cross sections; (ii) measurement of the cross sectio ns for momentum transfer, vibrational excitation, electronic excitation, an d dissociative ionization; and (iii) accurate measurement of the electron t ransport coefficients in pure Cl-2 and in mixtures with rare gases. Also pr ovided in this paper is pertinent information on the primary Cl-2 discharge byproducts Cl-2(+), Cl-2(-), Cl, Cl-, and Cl+. (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics and American Chemical Society. [S0047-2689(99)00401-8].