The calculation of stopping power and range for radium, thorium and uranium using new electronic potential energy function

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes 2019-10, Vol.152, p.193-199
• Main Author: Usta, Metin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alpha; Potential energy function; Range; Stopping power
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2019.06.005

In this paper, the electronic stopping power and range calculations of radium-226, thorium-229 and uranium-236 isotopes, which are natural alpha emitters, were performed for the alpha particles in the 200 keV-10 MeV energy range. The effective charge approach based on the Bethe-Bloch theory for the stopping power, the continuous slowing down approach and the Simpson 1/3 method were used for calculation of the range. To this end, new electronic potential energy functions were primarily obtained by using the Lie group method for the target elements. For electronic charge density, relativistic atomic natural orbitals based on Gaussian type orbitals were selected. The results were compared with the existing data sets in the literature. The potential energy curves obtained were irregular at certain distances, but were quite close to that of the multi-atomic target systems. The stripping distances of the target atoms and the corresponding potential energy values were determined from the potential energy functions. It was observed that the stopping power and range values were generally compatible with the SRIM and ICRU 49 data at specific error rates. By adding some correction factors to the calculations, it is predicted that the discrepancies and the error rates may be reduced. The results acquired with this innovative work can be used in the interaction of charged particles with matter, applications related to alpha decay and shielding. •Stopping power and range calculations of radium, thorium and uranium were done.•New potential energy functions were obtained by using the Lie group method.•For electronic charge density, relativistic atomic natural orbitals were selected.•The results were compared with the available data sets in the literature.•The results were generally compatible with the data sets at specific error rates.