Algebraic eikonal approach to electron-molecule scattering. I. Generalized formalism

The algebraic eikonal approach to electron-molecule scattering, in which the coupling to both rotational and vibrational states of the molecule is taken into account to all orders in the dipole strength, is generalized to include more realistic interactions. Such interactions may be nonlinear functions of the generators of the dynamical algebra of the molecule. The approach is applied to electron scattering off LiF, where a realistic nonlinear dipole operator is used. A significant enhancement of the calculated inelastic vibrational cross section is observed.