Elastic scattering of low-energy electrons by NF3

We present results of e(-)-NF3 collision calculations for energies up to 60 eV. To compute the elastic integral, differential, and momentum-transfer cross sections we have employed the Schwinger multichannel method implemented with norm-conserving pseudopotentials (Bettega M H F, Ferreira L G and Lima M A 1993 Phys. Rev. A 47 1111) within the fixed-nuclei static-exchange approximation. We have compared our results with the complex Kohn results of Rescigno and with the experimental data of Boesten et al, and found them in general good agreement. We have found two independent shape resonances in the NF3 elastic integral cross section, and through its symmetry decomposition we assigned them to the A(1) and E representations of the C-3v group. The existence of a shape resonance has also been reported by Rescigno and also by Boesten et al, who assigned it to the E representation of the C-3v group. We have also discussed the possible role of these shape resonances in the dissociative attachment of NF3 by electron impact.