Collision cross sections for argon atoms with argon atoms for energies from 0.01 eV to 10 keV

Differential and angular integrated cross sections for elastic collisions of Ar atoms with Ar atoms are calculated from representative potential energy curves for collision energies from 0.01 eV to 10 keV. The scattering phase shifts are calculated using the WKB approximation. The cross sections are compared with data obtained from beam scattering experiments and transport coefficient measurements. On the basis of assessments of experimental reliability and of theoretical potentials, we make a selection from the available short-range interatomic potentials. Consideration of experimental elastic and inelastic cross section data leads to the suggestion that our theoretical results should be interpreted as the sum of the elastic and inelastic differential cross sections. The theoretical differential, total and viscosity cross sections are fitted with empirical functions covering the energy range from 1 eV to 10 keV to facilitate their use in models of discharge plasmas, etc. Procedures for use of these cross sections are summarized briefly.