Charge-state distributions of chlorine ions interacting with cold gas and with fully ionized plasma

Abstract

Charge transfer of 4.3 MeV/u chlorine ions passing through a discharge plasma target is used as a probe to determine the plasma density and the ratio of impurities inside the plasma column. Charge-state distributions of 2 MeV/u chlorine ions passing through the plasma are then measured and compared to corresponding measurements in the cold gas. Stopping power measurements are also performed in both cases.

Photon yields of energetic particles in the interstellar medium: An easy way to calculate gamma-ray line emission

“…As a consequence, the equilibrium between electron stripping and electron capture depends on the ambient medium, and an energetic atom is on average more ionized when it travels through a plasma than through a neutral medium (Chabot et al 1995a). This results in a higher effective charge, and thus a higher stopping power (or larger energy losses).…”

“…Indeed, in the latter case, the orbital motion of the electron reduces the velocity difference between the energetic ion and the electron, and thereby facilitates capture. As a consequence, the equilibrium between electron stripping and electron capture depends on the ambient medium, and an energetic atom is on average more ionized when it travels through a plasma than through a neutral medium (Chabot et al, 1995a). This results in a higher effective charge, and thus a higher stopping power (or larger energy losses).…”