Electron mean-free-path calculations using a model dielectric function

The inelastic electron mean free path as a function of energy is calculated for Cu, Ag, Au, and Al. The calculations are based on a model dielectric function \ensuremath{\epsilon}(q,\ensuremath{\omega}), which is obtained from a modification of the statistical approximation. In this approach \ensuremath{\epsilon}(0,\ensuremath{\omega}) is determined by the experimentally measured optical dielectric function. Calculated mean free paths are compared to experimental data and to other theories.