BREMSSTRAHLUNG SPECTRUM FROM IONS IN A MODEL POTENTIAL APPROXIMATION

Bremsstrahlung from ions is described in the nonrelativistic Elwert-Born energy range of incident electrons. A simple one parameter potential is constructed which is in good agreement with the numerical relativistic Hartree-Fock-Slater potential in the regions of configuration space which contribute to the matrix element. Using entirely analytic formulas an accuracy of 15% is achieved for the bremsstrahlung spectrum, of 2% for interpolating between neutral atom partial wave and Coulomb results. An expression for the total energy loss due to radiation is accurate within 1-6%.