Emission cross sections for electron-impact excitation of zinc atoms

Experimental and theoretical studies of the electron-impact excitation of the (4s4p) 1,3P1, (4s5s) 3S1, and (4s4d) 1,3D states of zinc atoms are reported. Relative emission cross sections were measured from the excitation thresholds to 50 eV incident energy. Theoretical angle-integrated and emission cross sections were obtained using the convergent close-coupling and B-spline R-matrix methods. The measured data were normalized to theory and are discussed in terms of electron spin and correlation effects. The studies highlight the significance of both channel coupling to the continuum and the inner 3d-shell electrons.