Use of correlated double continuum wave functions for the determination of the triple differential cross section of the ionization of lithium by electron impact

Electron impact ionization of Lithium in its ground state is investigated theoretically. An ab-initio calculation is proposed which includes the correlated double continuum Brauner-Briggs-Klar BBK wave function (M. Brauner, J. S. Briggs, H. Klar, 1989). The results are in good agreement with the existing experimental measurements and partial wave calculations for the symmetric case. Some interesting kinematical situations are explored for near future experiments and the similarity with the ionization of hydrogen (2s) studied. (orig.)