Abstract Elastic electron scattering from cyanopolyynes (HC33N, HC5N, HC7N and HC9N) is investigated using the single-center expansion method. The differential, integral, momentum transfer, and rotational excitation cross sections are calculated in the low energy range of 0.1-20 eV. The results are compared with available experimental and theoretical data to check their accuracy. In addition the total ionization cross sections are determined over a broad energy range from ionization thresholds up to 5000 eV using the binary-encounter Bethe Model, to give a more complete picture of the scattering process. Building on these cross-section calculations, the corresponding rate coefficients for electron–cyanopolyyne collisions are also evaluated. The overall agreement with previously published data confirms the validity of the adopted methodology. Furthermore, since all target molecules possess significant dipole moments, appropriate Born corrections are incorporated to properly account for long range interactions at low energies. Because cyanopolyynes are found in different astrophysical environments, the cross-section and rate-coefficient data reported here are useful for astrophysical modelling, plasma studies, and the interpretation of interstellar observations.
Thomas et al. (Tue,) studied this question.