Two-effective center approximation for the single ionization of molecular hydrogen by fast electron impact - art. no. 042709

The triple differential cross section (3DCS) for the (e,2e) ionization of d iatomic hydrogen is determined using the first-order transition matrix elem ent of the Born series. A two-effective center continuum wave function whic h rakes into account the diatomic character of the target is introduced to describe the ejected electron in the exit channel. Vertical transitions fro m the equilibrium position of the (1)Sigma (+)(g) ground electronic state o f the target to the (2)Sigma (+)(g) ground electronic state of the residual H-2(+) are considered for relatively high incident electron energy values (similar to4 keV). This approach, which needs relatively small computationa l efforts to apply it to other diatomic systems. produces results that an i n good agreement with existing experimental data. The influence on 3DCS of the screening of the nuclear charges produced by the residual bound electro n in the exit channel is studied.