Coherent resonance and dipole scattering in rotational excitation of molecules by slow electrons

We present a new approach to rotational-vibrational excitation of molecules by slow electrons, incorporating the shape resonance, the dipole interaction, and the interference between their amplitudes. Excellent agreement is found with the high-resolution differential-cross-section data in CO for vibrational excitation and the simultaneous excitation of individual rotational branches. Accurate state-to-state integral cross sections are given for CO at the resonance energy of 1.8 eV.