Single ionization of helium by electron impact

We suggest that the problem of single ionization of helium by electron impact, leaving the ion in the ground state, has been solved theoretically for the full range of kinematics and collision geometries of practical interest. Following the emphasis on the study of out-of-plane geometries where the cross sections are very small [Schulz et al., Nature 422, 48 (2003)], we find that the convergent close-coupling calculations, in either a frozen- or a multicore treatment of the target, are in excellent agreement with the available measurements. Curiously, some systematic discrepancies are identified for some in-plane cases where the cross sections are an order of magnitude larger. Further measurements are required to resolve these discrepancies. If subsequent measurements confirm the present calculations, then we would have a strong case that the problem has been solved.