One cross sections for the excitation of the alkalis, Li, Na and K by electron impact

Values of some excitation cross sections of the alkali metals, lithium, sodium and potassium are presented, which have been calculated by using a simple regional trial function in a variational principle for the R matrix. A comparison is given, where possible, between the results of these calculations and other theoretical, and experimental values. The agreement between the calculations presented and the best available comparison data is found to be surprisingly good suggesting that the other cross sections which are presented and for which no such comparison is possible, may be quite accurate also.