IISER MOHALI

Abstract: Low-energy electron collisions with molecules have been identified as drivers of exotic chemical reactions and their dynamics in low-temperature plasmas and the upper atmosphere. They are also speculated to play active roles in the formation of complex organic molecules in astrophysical environments such as the ISM. In this context, electron collisions with molecules featuring strong electric dipole or multipoles have not been sufficiently investigated. Molecules with a high electric dipole moment show a bound state that is supported by the electron-dipole interaction. On the same lines, such a strong dipole moment may also support the negative-ion resonances. We have investigated such cases and have found that these resonances result in large dissociation cross-sections, especially by enhancing the direct capture of an electron to the \sigma^* orbital. Such interactions may serve as a gateway to chemical reaction control. In this talk, I will detail the experimental and theoretical findings of these studies.