  Electron dynamics in the bulk and at the surface of solid materials are well
known to play a key role in a variety of physical and chemical phenomena. In
this article we describe the main aspects of the interaction of low-energy
electrons with solids, and report extensive calculations of inelastic lifetimes
of both low-energy electrons in bulk materials and image-potential states at
metal surfaces. New calculations of inelastic lifetimes in a homogeneous
electron gas are presented, by using various well-known representations of the
electronic response of the medium. Band-structure calculations, which have been
recently carried out by the authors and collaborators, are reviewed, and future
work is addressed.
