Convergent close-coupling approach to electron scattering on H3+: Scattering dynamics and dissociative processes

Cross sections for electron impact dissociative excitation and ionization in scattering on vibrationally excited levels of the ground electronic state of H3+, D3+, and T3+ are reported in the energy range of 8-1000 eV. Calculations have been performed using a newly developed version of the molecular convergent close-coupling code. Convergence of the cross sections with the size of the projectile partial-wave and close-coupling expansions is examined. Branching ratios and cross sections for the yields of D2+ and D+ from dissociative excitation of D3+ are presented and isotope effects are investigated. Cross sections for total dissociative ionization yielding atomic fragments such as D+ are presented and the total inelastic cross section is produced. Good agreement with available experiments has been demonstrated.