Absolute angle-differential cross sections for near-threshold electron-impact excitation of neon

Absolute angle-differential cross sections for excitation of neon atoms to the four (2p$^{5}$3s) and selected (2p$^{5}$3p) and (2p$^{5}$3d) levels have been determined as a function of electron energy up to 3.5$\,$eV above threshold at scattering angles of $0^\circ$, $45^\circ$, $90^\circ$, $135^\circ$ and $180^\circ$. Some cross sections were also recorded as function of scattering angle from $0^\circ$ to $180^\circ$, which was possible through the use of a ``magnetic angle changer''. Comparison of the experimental data with theoretical predictions based on Breit-Pauli \hbox{$B$-spline} \hbox{$R$-matrix} calculations shows overall good agreement regarding both the absolute values and the details of numerous resonant features. Some discrepancies remain, however, whose possible origin will be discussed at the conference.