A Novel Electron Scattering Experiment
- Chief Supervisor
- Dr. James Sullivan
- Supervisors
- Professor Stephen Buckman
- Centre Research Nodes
- ANU
- Collaborators
- Chungnam National University, South Korea
The objectives of this project are to develop a novel electron scattering experiment and to measure electron scattering cross sections for a variety of important molecules. Electron scattering processes are important in a variety of fields, from biological studies and radiation damage to plasma processing to lighting to astrophysics and atmospheric physics. Measuring electron scattering cross sections can also test our knowledge of the detailed quantum physics entailed in the scattering process.
A new experiment has been constructed at the ANU node of the Centre to allow measurement of electron scattering, based on a strongly magnetically confined electron beam. This idea is used in the positron beamlines at ANU to study positron scattering. Not only does the experiment have the advantage of being compact and efficient, the techniques employed have significant advantages over conventional (electrostatic) techniques when it comes to measuring certain types of cross sections, notably for excitation processes.
The student will be expected to develop the existing apparatus to a point where measurements are able to be made, and to take the first series of cross section measurements. Initial measurements will be made on "standard" systems, such as helium and molecular nitrogen, before moving on to targets including biologically and technologically important molecules. To achieve this, knowledge of vacuum systems, electronics, computer control, gas handling and data analysis will have to be developed. This experiment is housed in a laboratory with several other electron and positron scattering experiments, and will take place within a stimulating research environment involving a large and active group of researchers.
