Potential-Scattering Model for Electrons on Helium and Other Atoms

An independent-particle potential-scattering model is proposed for electron scattering by atoms, which is similar in approach to the recent study by Green et al. for bound states of atoms. The general model is discussed, including specific scattering considerations, and specialized to the case of helium. Results of calculations for $e-\mathrm{H}\mathrm{e}$ elastic scattering are given and compared with experimental results and with the calculations by LaBahn and Callaway. By allowing the polarization part of the potential to be slowly energy dependent, the agreement becomes quite satisfactory. The relevance of this study to future efforts to develop an optical model for elastic electron scattering by atoms and molecules is discussed.