Recent progress in the theory of dissociative attachment: From diatomics to biomolecules

Abstract

We present a summary of recent progress in theoretical studies of low-energy dissociative electron attachment (DEA) to halogen molecules and polyatomic molecules based on the resonance R-matrix theory. It explains many observed features in DEA cross sections including low-energy behavior, threshold resonances and cusps. It also gives correct description of the temperature dependence of the attachment rate coefficients. More recently the theory was applied to two molecules of biological interest, formic acid and glycine. DEA mechanisms in these systems are very similar to those in hydrogen halides. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.