Vacuum ultraviolet electron impact excitation of the styrene molecule: cross sections and oscillator strengths

• Published in: Journal of physics. B, Atomic, molecular, and optical physics Vol. 42; no. 9; p. 095201
• Main Authors: Boechat-Roberty, H M, Lucas, C A, Lopes, M C A, Rocco, M L M, de Souza, G G B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 14.05.2009; Institute of Physics
• Subjects: Atomic and molecular collision processes and interactions; Atomic and molecular physics; Electron scattering; Exact sciences and technology; Molecular excitation and ionization by electron impact; Physics; Electron impact excitation; Differential cross sections; Electronically excited state; Hydrocarbons; Electron-molecule collisions; Photoabsorption; Generalized oscillator strength; Electron energy loss spectra; eV range; Benzene; Oscillator strengths; Styrene; Multiple excitation; Organic compounds
• ISSN: 0953-4075; 1361-6455
• DOI: 10.1088/0953-4075/42/9/095201

The vacuum ultraviolet electronic excitation of the styrene molecule has been studied in the 0-50 eV energy range, using angle-resolved electron-energy-loss spectroscopy at an incident energy of 1 keV. Intense new features have been observed at 10.3, 11.8, 13.7 and 17.1 eV. They were tentatively assigned to high-energy transitions originating from s electrons or to double excitations involving P electrons. The absolute generalized oscillator strengths and absolute inelastic differential cross sections have been determined for the band centred at 5.3 eV, associated with the 2,3(1) A'|1(1) A' transitions. The absolute elastic differential cross section has also been determined over an angular range of 2.5'-22.0'. The valence photoabsorption spectrum of styrene, derived from the electron-energy-loss spectrum, is compared to a previously measured benzene spectrum in the 3-45 eV energy range.