Near-threshold excitation of the E-3 Sigma(+)(g) state of N-2 by electron impact

Relative differential cross sections, at 0 degrees, for electron-impact exc itation of the E(3)Sigma(g)(+) State of the nitrogen molecule have been mea sured in the near-threshold energy region. A high-resolution crossed-beam d ouble trochoidal electron spectrometer is used and the cross section is mea sured directly, by inelastically scattered electrons detection. Measurement s are placed on the absolute scale by simultaneous measurement of this proc ess and vibrational excitation of the nu = 8 level of the ground state of N -2 via the (2)Pi(g) resonance. Integral cross sections are obtained by usin g relative angular distributions from previous measurements, for energies o f 11.94 and 12.14 eV. Obtained results are compared with ether available da ta. [S1050-2947(99)05211-7].