Stopping power for strong beam–plasma coupling

Abstract

A model for the stopping power for strong beam–plasma coupling is presented. The model calculates the stopping power through a T-matrix approach which correctly describes close binary collisions. A velocity-dependent screening length is used in the beam particle–plasma electron interaction to include dynamic screening effects. The model has the correct limiting behavior for low and high beam particle velocities and agrees well with simulation data up to very high coupling strengths. Compared to other theories, which include strong correlations and/or dynamic screening only approximately, a smaller energy loss has been found; this leads to a considerably longer stopping range.