Elastic electron scattering from Ba and Sr

We present a comprehensive set of theoretical results for differential, total, and momentum transfer cross sections and Sherman functions for the elastic scattering of electrons by barium and strontium atoms, for the entire angular range and energies below 1 keV. This study extends our method of calculations, already employed for inert gases, to other atoms with closed subshells and provides insight into the electron scattering from these two atoms, particularly for strontium where there is a serious lack of both experimental and prior theoretical works. Our relatively simple semiempirical approach, with a single adjustable parameter, produces a satisfactory agreement with the measured values and convergent close-coupling calculations for barium, for the limited number of energies and angles at which they are available. Based on this success, we provide a recommended set of values of cross sections and scattering phase shifts for both atoms and for future applications.