Combining laser and electron interactions - Current experiments and future possibilities in excitation and ionization studies

In this brief review a number of different experimental techniques that combine the advantages of laser and electron interactions with atoms and molecules will be described. These processes range from super-elastic electron scattering from laser excited atoms so as to ascertain the electron collision parameters over all scattering geometries, through new electron interactions with laser cooled and trapped atoms, to the process of electron impact ionization of laser-aligned targets. Examples from work carried out in Manchester are given, and new types of measurements that may be possible in the future are described. © 2010 IOP Publishing Ltd.