Total cross sections for electron scattering by ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ molecules in the energy range 400–5000 eV have been measured with experimental errors of about 3%. The method was based on a transmission-beam technique, and a detailed error source analysis is included. Present results have been compared with available experimental and theoretical data. The dependence on electron energy of the total cross sections obtained shows an asymptotic behavior with increasing energies, in agreement with the Born-Bethe approximation. In addition, an analytical formula is provided to extrapolate total cross sections to higher energies. Finally, total cross-section values have been partitioned into elastic and inelastic (ionization and neutral dissociation) processes.

• Received 23 April 1997

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.57.1069