Validation of Shell Ionization Cross Sections for Monte Carlo Electron Transport

• Published in: IEEE transactions on nuclear science Vol. 65; no. 8; pp. 2279 - 2302
• Main Authors: Basaglia, Tullio, Bonanomi, Matteo, Cattorini, Federico, Han, Min Cheol, Hoff, Gabriela, Kim, Chan Hyeong, Kim, Sung Hun, Marcoli, Matteo, Pia, Maria Grazia, Saracco, Paolo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York IEEE 01.08.2018; The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE)
• Subjects: Analytical models; Atomic measurements; Computer simulation; Cross sections; Electron transport; Empirical analysis; Formulations; Geant4; Impact ionization; Ionization; Ionization cross sections; Libraries; Monte Carlo methods; Monte Carlo simulation; software validation; Statistical analysis; Statistical methods
• ISSN: 0018-9499; 1558-1578
• DOI: 10.1109/TNS.2018.2851921

Theoretical and semi-empirical methods to calculate electron impact ionization cross sections for atomic shells are subject to validation tests with respect to a wide collection of experimental measurements to identify the state of the art for Monte Carlo particle transport. The validation process applies rigorous statistical analysis methods. Cross sections based on the EEDL Evaluated Electron Data Library, widely used by Monte Carlo codes, and on calculations by Bote and Salvat, used in the Penelope code, are generally equivalent in compatibility with experiment. Results are also reported for various formulations of the Binary-Encounter-Bethe and Deutsch-Märk models.