Exploring a novel model for projectile charge state distribution inside a solid-target

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new theoretical approach to predict projectile ion charge state distributions inside solid targets, using either a Fermi gas or ab initio model, with implications for various scientific applications.

Contribution

It presents the first theoretical methodology for predicting charge state distributions inside solid targets, comparing simple and ab initio models.

Findings

Fermi gas model slightly outperforms ab initio approach.

Charge state distribution impacts electron capture and ionization dynamics.

Model validated for applications in tumor therapy, biophysics, and material science.

Abstract

For the first time, we report a theoretical methodology to predict charge state distribution of projectile ions inside a solid-target. The method utilizes either a simple Fermi gas model or an ab initio theoretical method and a certain parameterization of width for the Lorentzian charge state distributions. Results obtained from the two approaches are comparable, but the former has a certain edge over the latter. The projectile charge state distribution inside a solid-target plays a significant role in estimating electron capture cross-sections and then to describe the observed K-shell ionization dynamics. The electron capture process plays a certain role in L-shell ionization dynamics too, but in a test case of Si on Au target the subshell charge sharing contributes a more vital role than the electron capture. Thus, we have validated the present model as a reliable as well as useful for many solid-target based applications viz. tumour therapy, biophysics, accelerators, material science etc.