Lin This work continues research into the collision of electrons with excited metastable atoms such as He. Measurements of total cross sections from these difficult to produce beams are used to elucidate the differences in collisions between atoms in their ground and excited states. New techniques will be developed to increase beam densities and to detect radiation from the various sublevels excited by the impacting electrons. The cross sections which are to be measured are needed for numerous applications to discharges, lasers and plasma processing of materials.
