Equilibrium mean charge states for low-Zions at≤1 MeV/uin carbon

Abstract

Equilibrium mean charge states have been measured for 3--7 MeV lithium, boron, and carbon ions passing through thin carbon foils. The data are compared to the predictions of several semiempirical models of charge equilibrium in the $\ensuremath{\le}1\text{ }\text{MeV}/\text{u}$ regime. The current work underscores the general problem of extrapolating models developed for high-$Z$ projectiles to ions of low $Z$. A compilation of experimental data for low-$Z$ ions in the low-energy regime has been used to reparametrize a few of the charge equilibrium models. Experimental techniques, comments and suggestions on the nature of the equilibrium charge states of low-$Z$ ions are presented.