Role of resonances in the electron-impact excitation functions of the C 3Πu and E 3Σ+g states of N2

Resonances in e^--N₂ scattering have been studied from about 11 to 16 eV by simultaneous measurement of the transmitted electron spectrum, and both the prompt and delayed emission functions for the C ³Π_u-->B ³Π_g(0,0) transition. In this energy domain 28 structures have been observed, 25 of which have been observed in both the electron transmission spectrum and the total optical excitation function. The delayed emission in this energy range is attributed to the decay of the various states of N2- to the E ³Σ⁺_g state of N₂ which is collisionally de-excited to the C ³Π_u state of N₂. Negative-ion resonances which decay to both the E ³Σ⁺_g and C ³Π_u contribute strongly to the 3371 emission in this energy domain.