Electron impact with excited atoms

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The focus of this research project is the measurement of electron excitation cross sections out of excited levels of rare gases and alkali atoms. The experiments will contribute to the basic understanding of the physics of atomic processes and have numerous technological applications. For instance, such collisions play a dominant role in understanding low temperature plasmas, and low temperature plasmas are important for lighting, etching of semiconductor chips and many other applications. Also on a broader impact, this activity will result in the training of graduate students and postdoctoral associates, who will also participate in undergraduate teaching. It is proposed to invite women and minority scientists to visit the Physics Department and to meet with researchers and graduate and undergraduate students for possible collaborations and in order to act as role models and to provide encouragement.