The role of resonant laser radiation in completely determining electron-atom collision parameters

In this paper, the usefulness of employing narrow-bandwidth laser radiation as a means of interrogating collisions between electrons and atoms is discussed. The importance of the laser in this role is illustrated by two current methods, the stepwise electron and laser excitation coincidence method and the electron superelastic scattering method, which allow a complete description of the collision process to be achieved except for an analysis of electron spin.