Theorectical and computational studies of electron and positron collisions with atomic and molecular systems

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

We are investigating the scattering of electrons and positrons (which are the antiparticles of electrons) from atoms and molecules.  We run large-scale computer programs to calculate what happens when free electrons and positrons collide with atoms and molecules in a gas.  We work closely with experimental groups measuring these processes in order to understand the fundamental physics which they involve.  This helps us to develop better theoretical models to describe these collisions at the most detailed quantum mechanical levels possible.  We also use our calculated data to help model an x-ray detector called a gas proportional scintillation counter which are used in x-ray astonomy aboard satellites, for example.  These data are also important for developing better lighting sources and plasma display panels.