Total ionisation cross sections for chlorofluoromethanes and CClx radicals by electron impact

We report here the total ionisation cross section for chlorofluoromethanes, namely CCl₃F (Freon 11), CCl₂F₂ (Freon 12), CClF₃ (Freon 13), CHCl₂F (Freon 21), CHClF₂ (Freon 22), CH₂ClF (Freon 31), CCl₄ and CCl_x (x = 1–3), radicals by electron impact from ionisation threshold to 2 keV. The total inelastic cross section is obtained employing a complex optical potential formalism and solving the Schrödinger equation through partial wave analysis. Using the complex scattering potential-ionisation contribution method, the total ionisation cross section is derived from the inelastic cross section for these targets. The results obtained are then compared with the existing experimental and theoretical data, wherever available. The present result shows reasonable agreement with previous data. For the CCl_x radicals, the ionisation cross section is predicted for the first time. The data reported here have immense interest to atmospheric and technological plasma modelling.