Electron scattering in helium for Monte Carlo simulations

An analytical approximation for differential cross-section of electron scattering on helium atoms is introduced. It is intended for Monte Carlo simulations, which, instead of angular distributions based on experimental data (or on first-principle calculations), usually rely on approximations that are accurate yet numerically efficient. The approximation is based on the screened-Coulomb differential cross-section with energy-dependent screening. For helium, a two-pole approximation of the screening parameter is found to be highly accurate over a wide range of energies.