Absolute total cross sections for the scattering of low-energy electrons by lithium atoms

Absolute (i.e., unnormalized) total cross sections for the scattering of electrons by lithium atoms between 2 and 10 eV have been measured, using the atomic-recoil technique in the scattering-out mode. In this energy range, elastic scattering and impact excitation of the $2P$ state are the dominant processes. The results best fit the sum of the modified polarized-orbitals elastic scattering cross-section calculations of Bhatia, Temkin, Silver, and Sullivan [Phys. Rev. A 18, 1935 (1978)], and the close-coupling impact-excitation cross-section results of Burke and Taylor [J. Phys. B 2, 869 (1969)]. Agreement over the entire energy range is at the 10% level or better.