The complex electronic band structure of a one-dimensional solid is de
scribed using a one-dimensional scattering approach. The method yields
the value of the wave function and its derivative between the atomic
layers. These values can be matched at the surface to the correspondin
g values of the wave function on the vacuum side. The method is compar
ed to the two-band approximation of the nearly free electron model. Ad
vantages of the proposed scheme are the easy adaption for layered syst
ems and alloys.