Abstract
The Wannier-Peterkop-Rau theory (1953) for the ionisation of atoms by by electron impact near threshold has been extended taking screening into account. Spherically symmetric atomic potentials are shown quite generally to leave Wannier's threshold law-originally derived from pure Coulomb interactions-unchanged. In particular it is shown that screening may lead to an unexpectedly large energy range over which the threshold theory holds. Results are not inconsistent with experimental work.

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