An overview of the BEB method for electron-impact ionization of atoms and molecules

An accurate and simple method for the calculation of electron-impact ionization. cross sections of atoms and molecules was developed by Kim and Rudd in 1994. Since then, many articles by Kim and coworkers have demonstrated the validity of the technique and have applied it to various atomic and molecular systems. The method is particularly useful for computational modeling, where numerous cross sections are needed. This paper presents the basic formulas and method of calculation, shows applications to some neutral atoms, and describes the NIST website where results of recent calculations are available. The limitations of the method as well as the advantages are outlined. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.