Spectroscopic diagnostics of electron-atom collisions: Final report for period February 1, 1984-April 30, 1987

A new method of measuring differential electron excitation cross section has been developed and tested on the Na 3S-3P transition. An apparatus was constructed and all elements achieved operation at or above design criteria. Excellent Signal to Noise Levels were achieved and cross sections with respect to M/sub L/ and M/sub S/ changes were measured. The feasibility of making these measurements also differential in electron scattering angle was demonstrated, and such measurements were initiated. This method is uniquely capable of measuring fully differential cross sections for exciting metal atoms, and it is particularly effective in the threshold energy region of primary interest