Charge states of relativistic heavy ions in matter

Abstract

Experimental and theoretical results on charge-exchange cross-sections and charge-state distributions of relativistic heavy ions penetrating through matter are presented. The data were taken at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory's BEVALAC accelerator and at the heavy-ion synchrotron SIS of GSI in Darmstadt in the energy range 80–1000 MeV/u. Beams from Xe to U impinging on solid and gaseous targets between Be and U were used. Theoretical models for the charge-state evolution inside matter for a given initial charge state are presented. For this purpose, computer codes have been developed, which are briefly described. Examples are given which show the successes and limitations of the models.