On the Nucleon Cascade with Ionization Loss

Abstract

The fundamental equations for a nucleon cascade including ionization loss are given. Solutions satisfying the exact boundary conditions are found in a manner similar to that used by Bhabha and Chakrabarty for the electron-photon cascade. However, in the present treatment, second-order equations are not resorted to and all four cases (protons producing protons and neutrons; neutrons producing protons and neutrons) are treated simultaneously. The results are given in tabular and graphic form and can be adapted easily to any specific problem. A number of examples showing the effect of ionization loss have been computed and the ratio of neutrons to protons given. The calculations are carried out using the cross section formulated by Heitler and Jánossy.