Use of combined linear and nonlinear formalisms applied to the transport of protons and secondary electrons in a Monte Carlo code: Applications for space missions

Abstract

A review of linear (dielectric theory) and nonlinear (binary collision theory) formalisms is proposed. The range of validity of both theories is discussed. The differential energy cross sections are fully detailed so that they are suitable for use in any Monte Carlo code. The use of the nonlinear formalism (and consequently the description of the differential cross sections) in a Monte Carlo code, such as GEANT4, is poorly addressed in the literature. In order to cover a very wide energy range, a combined model is discussed and implemented in GEANT4. Applications related to the space domain are studied, and the benefit of our combined model is investigated through a dedicated code devoted to the estimation of deposited energy in nanometric volumes.