Atomic collisions with relativistic heavy ions. V. The states of ions in matter

This paper examines the processes affecting relativistic heavy ions in solid targets. Three pieces of experimental information, the charge states of emergent projectiles, K{α} x-ray production cross sections, and K radiative electron-capture photon cross sections for 82- and 197-MeV/amu Xe projectiles incident on solid targets between Be and U, are examined. A theory incorporating the ground states and a minimal number of excited states of zero-, one-, and two-electron projectiles is formulated which includes capture, ionization, excitation, and decay processes. The requisite cross sections are obtained from calculations and measurements. The present charge-state, x-ray, and radiative capture photon measurements are in good agreement with theory. The relationship between charge-changing cross sections measured using thick and thin targets is examined.