Electron scattering from atoms and atomic ions: the electron-atom ionization threshold problem

Two relevant talks given at the recent ICPEAC satellite symposium Electron Scattering from Atoms and Atomic Ions are discussed in relation to the present authors previous work on the electron-atom ionization threshold problem (Temkin, J. Phys. B; 7:L450 (1974) and Temkin and Hahn. Phys. Rev.; A10:708 (1975)). A theoretical talk by C.E. Bottcher described a numerical integration of the time-dependent Schroedinger equation which now gives evidence for a significant non-Wannier component, even in the threshold energy limit. In the second talk, data on the threshold yield of H+ provided from a LAMPF experiment of two-electron photo-detachment of H- which, although consistent with the Wannier form of the threshold law, can equally by fitted by the present author's alternate form, which is analytically completely different from Wannier. (author)