Angular dependence of the energy loss of ions in solids: Computer simulations and analysis of models

• Published in: Nuclear instruments & methods in physics research. Section B, Beam interactions with materials and atoms Vol. 174; no. 1; pp. 16 - 24
• Main Authors: Famá, M., Lantschner, G.H., Eckardt, J.C., Arista, N.R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.03.2001
• Subjects: Angular distributions; Energy loss; Multiple scattering; Stopping power; 34.20.Cf; Energy loss; 02.70.Lq; Stopping power; 34.50.−s; Angular distributions; 34.50.Bw; Multiple scattering
• ISSN: 0168-583X; 1872-9584
• DOI: 10.1016/S0168-583X(00)00440-7

The angular dependence of the electronic energy loss of light ions in solids is analyzed in the frame of the binary collision approximation (BCA) using an analytical formalism based on multiple scattering (MS) functions, as well as with Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. These simulations have been performed for different collisional models of ions in the solid. A variation of the mean number of collisions with the observation angle is found, for a frequently used random distribution of interatomic distances, which may originate an angular dependence of the energy loss. Additionally the effect of impact parameter restrictions has been investigated, and again a change in the mean number of collisions with the observation angle has been observed. As this variation depends on the model of the solid and the impact parameter criteria applied, uncertainties in the single collision energy loss appear.