Low energy electron scattering in H2, N2 and O2

Electron beam transmission experiments have been performed, in the energy range 10 meV to 175 meV, with a magnetically collimated electron beam formed in a synchrotron radiation photoionization source using SuperACO, LURE. The apparatus has been calibrated with He and absolute backward scattering cross sections have been measured for the target gases H2, N2 and O2. A relationship, involving s and p partial waves, has been established between the backward scattering cross sections (σB) and the momentum transfer cross sections (σM). This has been used to check the accuracy of experimental data and the consistency of values of σB, σM and total scattering cross sections. (author)