RESUMO
We present a study of the stopping power of plasmas using two main approaches: the collisional (scattering theory) and the dielectric formalisms. In the former case, we use a semiclassical method based on quantum scattering theory. In the latter case, we use the full description given by the extension of the Lindhard dielectric function for plasmas of all degeneracies. We compare these two theories and show that the dielectric formalism has limitations when it is used for slow heavy ions or atoms in dense plasmas. We present a study of these limitations and show the regimes where the dielectric formalism can be used, with appropriate corrections to include the usual quantum and classical limits. On the other hand, the semiclassical method shows the correct behavior for all plasma conditions and projectile velocity and charge. We consider different models for the ion charge distributions, including bare and dressed ions as well as neutral atoms.
RESUMO
We apply a semiclassical partial-wave-scattering method based on the Wentzel-Kramers-Brillouin approximation to study the transport cross section and the energy loss of neutral or ionized atomic beams in plasmas. This approach reproduces the exact quantum result in a satisfactory manner, even in several extreme conditions of plasma densities and temperatures, and agrees with the results of linear or perturbative calculations for bare ions in the appropriate limits. We pay special attention to low projectile speeds where strong oscillations in the transport cross section and energy loss-as a function of projectile's atomic number-are observed. We study these oscillatory phenomena varying the projectile speed and its ionization degree and the plasma temperature and density. We analyze in physical terms these effects and present a diagram of plasma conditions showing the regions where these oscillations may occur for both neutral and ionized beams.