Is there a convenient parameterization for muon radiative losses in matter?

In summary, the muon energy loss equation at high energies can be represented as -dE/dx = a(E) + b(E)E, where a(E) represents ionization losses and b(E) represents radiative losses. For high-Z materials, radiative losses dominate ionization losses beyond the muon critical energy. There are various resources available, such as the CERN Physics Reference Manual and a study on Muon Bremsstrahlung and Muonic Pair Production in Air Showers, that discuss the representation of radiative losses for different materials and densities.
  • #1
stakhanov
12
1
The muon energy loss equation (at high energies) is:

-dE/dx = a(E) + b(E)E

where a(E) represents the ionization losses (Bethe equation), and b(E) represents radiative losses (bremsstrahlung, pair production, photo-nuclear).

From what I have read, at high energies for high-Z materials, radiative losses dominate ionization losses (beyond the muon critical energy). I am ok with the ionization part but is there a simple way to represent the radiative losses (b(E)E) for a certain Z or density?

I can't seem to find anything, even though on the graphs you see of energy loss v. energy, the radiative losses seem to pretty much follow a straight line.
 
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  • #2
I take it that's a 'no' then!
 
  • #3
Perhaps these are of interest

http://geant4.cern.ch/G4UsersDocuments/UsersGuides/PhysicsReferenceManual/html/node48.html

http://geant4.cern.ch/G4UsersDocuments/UsersGuides/PhysicsReferenceManual/html/node46.html

from a CERN Physics Reference Manual (from Geant4 Users' Documents)

This might also be of use:

Muon Bremsstrahlung and Muonic Pair Production in Air Showers.
http://arxiv.org/PS_cache/astro-ph/pdf/0006/0006108v1.pdf
Some good references.

Or use seach Google with "muon","bremsstrahlung","cross section"
 
Last edited:

1. What is a parameterization for muon radiative losses in matter?

A parameterization is a mathematical representation or approximation of a physical process. In the case of muon radiative losses in matter, it is a formula or set of equations that describe how muons lose energy through interactions with the surrounding material.

2. Why is a convenient parameterization important for studying muon radiative losses?

A convenient parameterization allows for easier and more efficient calculations of muon radiative losses, which can be crucial in analyzing and understanding experimental data. It also allows for the prediction of muon behavior in different materials without having to perform lengthy and complex calculations.

3. How is a parameterization for muon radiative losses developed?

A parameterization is typically developed through a combination of theoretical calculations and experimental data. Theoretical models of muon interactions with matter are used to derive equations, which are then tested and refined using data from experiments.

4. Are there different parameterizations for muon radiative losses in different materials?

Yes, different materials can affect the energy loss of muons in different ways, so there may be separate parameterizations for each material. However, some parameterizations may be applicable to a range of materials, depending on the accuracy and complexity of the model.

5. How accurate are parameterizations for muon radiative losses?

The accuracy of a parameterization depends on many factors, such as the complexity of the model and the quality of the data used to develop it. In general, parameterizations can provide a good approximation of muon radiative losses, but more complex models may be needed for higher accuracy.

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