On the scattering of low-energy electrons by sulphur hexafluoride

The collision between a beam of electrons and gaseous molecules of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) are studied from a theoretical and computational point of view, by solving the multichannel scattering problem within the close-coupling (CC) approach that uses a symmetry-adapted, single-center-expanded (SCE) description of the continuum functions. The static and exchange interactions are treated exactly within the basis set expansion and correlation forces are introduced in local form using a density functional model (FEG) without empirical parameters. Elastic observables (rotationally summed) are obtained over a broad range of energies, both for the integral and differential cross sections, and compared with the existing experiments. The symmetry and nature of the observed resonances are analyzed and discussed. One finds, in general, very satisfactory accord between the present calculations and the measured cross sections.