Near-threshold electron-impact excitation of argon studied with the time-of-flight technique

21 pages, 4 figures.-- Provional PDF.-- PACS Codes: 34.80.DpAbsolute angle-differential cross-section data are presented for excitation of the 3p54s manifold in argon by electron impact. The investigation focuses on the near-threshold region, where previous studies have revealed persistent disparities between measurements and theoretical predictions. For the present experiment, the time-of-flight (TOF) technique is employed. This method allows for scattered electrons to be measured over a broad range of energies with a constant transmission, thereby eliminating a potential major source of error in relating relative intensities of elastic and inelastic transitions inherent to other experimental techniques. The present experimental data are compared to theoretical results obtained in relativistic distorted-wave and various R-matrix (close-coupling) approaches, as well as to other recently published experimental data.The authors acknowledge funding from the Australian Research Council under the Centres of Excellence Programme. The work of KB and OZ is supported by the United States National Science Foundation under grants PHY-0757755 and PHY-0903818.Peer reviewe