Probing the dynamics of collision induced processes in atoms, molecules and solid surfaces with impact of keV electrons

Collision induced excitation and ionization of atoms and molecules by energetic electrons play an important role in thermonuclear fusion plasmas, and in atmospheric science. In this paper, a brief review of the recent experimental works that have been carried out in the Atomic Physics Laboratory at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi is presented. Some selected examples of the collision induced processes involved in impact of keV electrons with atoms, molecules and solid surfaces is highlighted. In particular, the results obtained on the multiple- and dissociative ionization of Ar atom and SF6 molecule, the electron backscattering from a pure thick W target and on the electron bremsstrahlung emission from gaseous Ar and thick solid Ti targets are presented and discussed.