Laser-assisted electron-atom collisions: The Kroll-Watson formula and the second born approximation

Recent measurements on CO2-laser-assisted electron-atom collisions have sho wn large inconsistencies with the Kroll-Watson formula. We use Born approxi mation theory to carry out a detailed study of the problem. The calculation s have shown that the second Born approximation can give better results, as compared with experiments. The prediction of K-W formula is only equivalen t to the first Born approximation. Mean-while, it is found that the electro n-atom polarization potential plays an important role in laser-assisted ele ctron-atom scattering.