Classical impact parameter approximation: application to atomic collisions with n independent electrons and to recoil analysis

We show that a classical impact parameter method may be derived when taking fully into account the smallness of the ratio between the electron and nuclear masses. It allows to calculate, exactly as in the quantum version, projectile scattering and therefore recoil momenta required for the interpretation of recent measurements. We prove an additivity theorem which allows, in particular, to reduce the n-non-interacting electron problem to a set of n one-electron problems. Consequences for the interpretation of target recoil measurements are discussed. (orig.)