Electron impact ionization of magnesium.*

We have applied a hybrid method, combining a second-order distorted-wave method for a fast ionizing projectile with an $R$-matrix (close-coupling) approach for the initial bound state and the ejected electron~[1], to calculate electron impact ionization of magnesium. Our results will be compared with recent experimental data~[2] and predictions from other theoretical approaches~[3]. For various kinematical situations, in-plane and out-of-plane, we analyze the sensitivity of the theoretical results to the details of the computational model. We will suggest additional benchmark experiments to test the various theoretical approaches. \par\vspace{0.1truecm}\noindent [1] Y. Fang and K. Bartschat, J. Phys. B {\bf 34} (2001) L19. \par\noindent [2] R.W. van Boyen {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. A {\bf 73} (2006) 032703. \par\noindent [3] M. Foster {\it et al.}, Phys. Rev. Lett. {\bf 97} (2006) 093202.