Electron and positron backscattering from condensed targets

Abstract

Abstract The backscattering process for electron and positron impinging on condensed targets is studied here. The calculation is performed for Li, Na, Al and Cu atoms in the 500–3000 eV energy range. The well known Vicanek and Urbassek theory is used to determine the backscattering coefficient for present solid atoms. To analyze the elastic scattering cross section, spherical complex optical potential formalism is used. Apart from the backscattering coefficient, momentum transfer cross section, range of penetration, and mean number of wide-angle collisions are also tabulated and compared to the available data. No previous work was found reporting the range of penetration for the atoms. Hence, we also report the electron backscattering coefficient and range of penetration for liquid water for which experimental and theoretical data are available for the range of penetration. The electron backscattering coefficient for liquid water is reported for the first time here.