Energy Loss by Energetic Test Ions in a Plasma

Abstract

A study is made of the energy loss by an energetic (but nonrelativistic) test ion of charge Ze to plasma electrons in thermal equilibrium at temperature T. The classical region KT <{ Z2 Ry and the quantum region KT ~ Z2 Ry are both considered. The loss rates are given in closed form in terms of known functions of the ion speed. May's earlier work concerning the classical region is revised. Certain limiting cases are discussed in connection with the Bohr-Bethe-Bloch theory of the stopping power of ordinary matter.