Total cross-section calculations for electrons colliding with molecular nitrogen over an extensive energy range from meV to keV

We report a comprehensive study of the electron impact total cross-sections for molecular nitrogen for impact energies from 0.01?eV to 2000?eV. Ab initio calculations are performed using the R-matrix formalism at low impact energies (up to ～15?eV), while the Spherical Complex Optical Potential formalism is utilised beyond this range. The two methods are consistent at the transition energy, which enables us to provide data for such an extensive range. The results obtained show overall good agreement with the available data.