Quantum transport of the internal state ofKr35+ions through amorphous carbon foils

Abstract

The population dynamics of the internal state of 60 MeV/u ${\mathrm{Kr}}^{35+}$ ions traversing amorphous carbon foils is studied theoretically and experimentally. This system is of particular interest as the times scales for collisional distribution, mixing due to the wake field, and radiative processes are comparable to each other. A transport theory based on a quantum-trajectory Monte Carlo method is developed, which treats the collisional and radiative redistribution of states on the same footing. The simulations exhibit clear signatures for the interplay between radiative decay and collisional mixing. Good agreement with experimental data is found.