Differential scattering in proton collisions with molecular hydrogen

Abstract

Abstract The recently developed two-centre wave-packet convergent close-coupling approach to proton collisions with molecular hydrogen is applied to calculate various singly differential cross sections. The approach is based on an effective one-electron description of the $${\hbox {H}_2}$$ H 2 target. The angular differential cross sections for elastic scattering, total excitation and electron capture are presented. Furthermore, we calculate the singly differential ionisation cross sections as functions of the ejected-electron energy and angle, as well as projectile scattering angle. Good agreement with available experimental data is observed, providing improvement over previous theoretical investigations into the singly differential cross section for ionisation. Specific mechanisms responsible for electron emission in particular kinematic regimes are identified. It is concluded that the effective one-electron WP-CCC method is capable of providing reasonably accurate results on singly differential cross sections for all included interconnected processes taking place in $${\hbox {p}}+{\hbox {H}_2}$$ p + H 2 collisions. Graphic abstract