Electron collisions with nitrous oxide

We have carried out theoretical studies of low-energy elastic electron collisions with nitrous oxide (N2O), obtaining differential, integral, and momentum-transfer cross sections. Polarization effects are incorporated in the electron-molecule scattering dynamics. A simple, objective, and physically motivated criterion is introduced for constructing a compact set of configurations that accurately accounts for polarization in resonant symmetries while avoiding overcorrelation. Our cross sections are in generally good agreement with experiment and with earlier high-level calculations, and most differences are readily understood. However, certain discrepancies between the calculated and measured differential cross sections remain puzzling.