Theoretical and experimental studies of the H⁺-N₂ system: Differential cross sections for direct and charge-transfer scattering at kilo-electron-volt energies

Differential direct and charge-transfer scattering cross sections are calculated for collisions of H⁺ with N₂ using the electron nuclear dynamics formalism. The calculated cross sections are compared to direct scattering measurements which are also reported here and to the experimental charge transfer data of Gao et al. [R. S. Gao, L. K. Johnson, C. L. Hakes, K. A. Smith, and R. F. Stebbings, Phys. Rev. A 41, 5929 (1990)]. Cross sections are presented for projectile energies of 0.5, 1.5, and 5.0 keV and scattering angles of 0.01 ° to 10 °. The differential cross section reveals considerable structure over this angular range which is a consequence of small angle quantum interference and the glory and rainbow effects. For the case of charge transfer, we find that at least 90% of charge transfer events result in the hydrogen atom leaving the system in the H(1s) state.