A comparative experimental-theoretical study on elastic electron scattering by methane

Absolute differential cross sections for elastic electron scattering by methane have been measured at six incident electron energies between 5 and 100 eV and over scattering angles between 10 deg. and 180 deg., using a crossed-beam electron spectrometer combined with a magnetic angle-changing device to extend the measurements to backward angles (125 deg. - 180 deg.). Differential, integral and momentum-transfer cross sections are also calculated and reported for these energies. A complex optical potential was used to represent the electron-molecule interaction dynamics. The iterative Schwinger variational method combined with the distorted-wave approximation was used to solve the scattering equations. The comparison between our calculated and measured results, as well as with other experimental and theoretical data available in the literature, is encouraging