A simple calculation of inelastic mean free path and stopping power for 50 eV-50 keV electrons in solids

Inelastic electron scattering is calculated by means of a simplified model of the generalised oscillator strength density distribution of an atomic or solid target. The parameters of the model are a limited set of resonance energies (partial mean ionisation potentials) and oscillator strengths. Methods to estimate these parameters, involving a fit of the partial mean ionisation potentials to the empirical atomic mean ionisation potential, are described. The valence electron partial mean ionisation potential may be determined from the dielectric energy loss function, the local plasma approximation, or empirically. Good agreement with experiment and with recent calculations of stopping power and inelastic mean free path is obtained in the electron energy range 50 eV-50 keV.