Electron-Impact Ionization of Methane

We report a study of the total ionization of CH_4 by electron impact and its dissociative ionization from the ^2T_2 channel. The calculation of the total ionization cross section uses the improved Binary-Encounter-Dipole model (iBED).(W. A Huo, Phys. Rev. A (submitted for publication).) The dipole Born cross section in the model is expressed in terms of a three-term representation and the optical oscillator strengths are taken from Backx and Van der Wiel.(C. Backx and M. J. Van der Wiel, I Phys. B 18) 3020 (1975). The nuclear dynamics for the dissociation of the ^2T_2 channel is studied using the statistical model. A search of the potential energy surface of the ^2T_2 state of CH_4^+ shows two minima, of C_2v and C_3v symmetries, in agreement with earlier calculations. ((a) K. Takeshita, J. Chem. Phys. 86), 329 (1987). (b) R. F. Frey and E. R. Davidson, J. Chem. Phys. 88, 1775 (1988). The dissociation of the CH_4^+ to CH_3^+ + H goes through a saddle point. Comparison with recent experimental data will be presented and the role of Jahn-Teller effect discussed.