Elastic and inelastic scattering of electrons by Na

Utilising a crossed-electron-beam-metal-atom-beam scattering technique differential excitation cross sections at 10, 20, 40 and 54.4 eV incident energies and at scattering angles ranging from 10 to 120 degrees have been measured for the following transitions: (i) elastic scattering, and (ii) excitation from ground state (3 2 S) to (a) 3 2 P, (b) 4 2 S, (c) 3 2 D+4 2 P and (d) 4 2 D+4 2 F+5 2 P+5 2 S states in Na. Comparisons with recent theoretical and experimental results have been made. Using previous theoretical and experimental results as guides the present differential cross sections have been extrapolated between angular regions of 0-10 degrees and 120-180 degrees . Integral and momentum cross sections have been computed from these cross sections.