Ionization by Impact Electrons in Solids: Electron Mean Free Path Fitted Over a Wide Energy Range

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new simple formula for accurately fitting electron mean free paths in solids across a wide energy range, incorporating band structure effects at low energies for improved predictions.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel fitting formula that accounts for band structure effects at low energies, extending the applicability of mean free path predictions in solids.

Findings

Effective fit for 9 elements and 2 compounds

Improved accuracy at low energies (E < 50 eV)

Inclusion of band structure effects enhances predictions

Abstract

We propose a simple formula for fitting the electron mean free paths in solids both at high and at low electron energies. The free-electron-gas approximation used for predicting electron mean free paths is no longer valid at low energies (E < 50 eV), as the band structure effects become significant at those energies. Therefore we include the results of the band structure calculations in our fit. Finally, we apply the fit to 9 elements and 2 compounds.