Absolute angle-differential cross sections for electron-impact excitation of neon atoms from threshold to 19.5 eV.*

Absolute angle-differential cross sections for electron-impact excitation of neon atoms to the four levels with the (2p$^{5}$3s) configuration have been determined both experimentally and theoretically for incident energies from threshold up to 19.5$\,$eV at scattering angles of $45^\circ$, $90^\circ$, $135^\circ$, and $180^\circ$. The latter measurements were possible through the use of a magnetic angle changer of special design. Excellent agreement between the experimental data and theoretical predictions, obtained by a Breit-Pauli $B$-spline $R$-matrix method with non-orthogonal orbitals, has been found in terms of both absolute values and the energies and widths of the numerous resonant features.