Electron interactions with Cl2

Low-energy electron interactions with the Cl(2) molecule are reviewed. Information is synthesized and assessed on the cross sections for total electron scattering, total rotational excitation, total elastic electron scattering, momentum transfer, total vibrational excitation, electronic excitation, total dissociation into neutrals, total ionization, total electron attachment, and ion-pair formation. Similar data on the density-reduced ionization, density-reduced electron attachment, density-reduced effective ionization, electron trans port coefficients, and electron attachment rate constant are also synthesized and critically evaluated. Cross sections are suggested for total electron scattering, total elastic electron scattering, total ionization, dissociation into neutrals, electron attachment, and ion-pair formation. A cross section is derived for the total vibrational excitation cross section via low-lying negative ion resonances. Data are suggested for the coefficients for electron I attachment, ionization, and effective ionization, and for the rate constant for electron attachment. While progress has been made regarding our knowledge on electron-chlorine interactions at low energies (<100 eV), there is still a need for: (i) improvement in the uncertainties of all suggested cross sections; (ii) measurement of the cross sections for momentum transfer, vibrational excitation, electronic excitation, and dissociative ionization; and (iii) accurate measurement of the electron transport coefficients in pure Cl(2) and in mixtures with rare gases. Also provided in this paper is pertinent information on the primary Cl(2) discharge byproducts Cl(2)(+), Cl(2)(-), Cl, Cl(-), and Cl(+). (C) 1999 American Institute of Physics and American Chemical Society. [S0047-2689(99)00401-8].