Electron-Helium Elastic Scattering Cross Sections: A Theoretical Study using the R-matrix Method

In this work, we theoretically study electron-helium elastic scattering over a wide impact energy range. Using the R-matrix method, which we carried out with the Quantemol-N computer code, we compute different electron-helium elastic scattering cross sections. The theory behind the R-matrix method, as described by Tennyson (2010) [1] and Tennyson et al. (2007) [2], is presented. Our results are compared with those of existing experimental and theoretical values in the literature in order to determine how accurate and useful the R-matrix method is for electron-helium systems. Special care is given to possible overestimations in cross sections obtained from calculations, and the reasons behind it due to model approximations are investigated. This research advances the basic knowledge of electron-atom interactions, which are important for a range of applications in plasma physics, astrophysics, and radiation chemistry. Key Words: Scattering, Cross Section, R-Matrix