On the Molière theory of multiple scattering of charged particles (1947–1948) and its critique in subsequent years

Several "misconceptions" regarding the theory of multiple scattering of fast charged particles in matter developed by Molière in 1947–1948 and its application in the analysis of experimental results are discussed. It is shown that the critics of this theory misinterpreted the Molière method for determining the cross section of particle scattering by atoms with the screening of their nuclear fields by electron shells described by the Thomas-Fermi statistical model. If the original Molière method is applied consistently, the obtained scattering cross section generally agrees with the results of later classical calculations carried out by Lindhard and his collaborators and other authors.