A geometrical optics model for electron-molecule collisions

We report the extension of a model, based on geometrical optics, that was developed to explain similarities found in the cross sections of electron collisions with small hydrocarbons. Here we discuss the modifications made in the model and apply it to electron-collisions with molecules containing other atoms besides carbon and hydrogen. We then apply the model to predict the cross sections for the larger molecules C6H6, C8H8, C60and C6F6, and find that, even in this case, the model is useful for a first estimate of the theoretically calculated and experimental elastic cross sections.