Energy losses by swift charged particles in the bulk and at the surface of condensed matter

Abstract

A brief survey of some aspects of charged particle energy losses in condensed matter is given. The conventional Bethe formula is derived on a semi-classical model of atomic response and the mean energy loss per unit path length is discussed in terms of the dielectric function of the bulk material. Basic properties of the wake created by charged particles in condensed matter are discussed. Energy losses to surface excitations are considered.