Theoretical Study of Electron Impact Ionization Cross Sections of Oxygen and Argon in the Martian Atmosphere

Abstract

Electron impact ionization in the Martian atmosphere is one of the important physical processes responsible for the formation and maintenance of the Martian ionosphere. In this work, the electron impact ionization cross-sections of Oxygen and Argon have been calculated in the energy range of 10–1000 eV. These ionization processes play a significant role in generating free electrons and ions in the Martian atmosphere, particularly on the dayside where solar radiation and energetic particles strongly influence atmospheric behavior. The ions produced in the ionosphere are further affected by the solar wind and can be accelerated and transported along the direction of the solar wind electric field. The ionization process begins when an incoming energetic electron collides with a gas molecule or atom, releasing one or more additional electrons. These secondary electrons can further interact with nearby particles, leading to a chain of ionization events in the presence of an electric field. Such processes are believed to contribute to the electrical activity associated with Martian dust environments. To study these interactions, the Spherical Complex Optical Potential (SCOP) method has been used to obtain the total and inelastic cross sections. The ionization cross-sections are calculated using the variant Complex Scattering Potential–ionization contribution (CSP-ic) approach. The obtained results are compared with available experimental and theoretical data, and a satisfactory agreement is observed. The study provides useful insight into electron-driven processes in the Martian atmosphere and contributes to a better understanding of its ionospheric and electrical properties.