R-matrix calculation of differential cross sections for low-energy electron collisions with ground-state and electronically excited-state O2 molecules

Differential cross sections for electron collisions with the O2 molecule in its ground X 3 g − state, as well as excited a 1 g and b 1 g + states are calculated. As previously, the fixed-bond R-matrix method based on stateaveraged complete active space self-consistent-field orbitals is employed. In addition to elastic scattering of electron with the O2 X 3 g , a 1 g, and b 1 g + states, electron impact excitation from the X 3 g − state to the a 1 g and b 1 g + states as well as 6 eV states of c 1 u , A 3 u, and A 3 g + states is studied. Differential cross sections for excitation to the 6 eV states have not been calculated previously. Electron impact excitation to the b 1 g +