Total electron scattering cross sections of CH{sub 4}, C{sub 2}H{sub 2}, C{sub 2}H{sub 4}, and C{sub 2}H{sub 6} in the energy range 200-1400 eV

The total electron scattering cross section of CH{sub 4}, C{sub 2}H{sub 2}, C{sub 2}H{sub 4}, and C{sub 2}H{sub 6} molecules have been obtained for 200-1400-eV energy electrons by measuring the attenuation of the electron beam through a gas cell. The present cross sections are compared to existing experimental cross sections as well as to theoretical predictions. The correlation between the total electron scattering cross section and the number of target-molecule electrons is discussed.