Proton Scattering: Calculating Current Density

  • Thread starter Thread starter madeinmsia
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Proton Scattering
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the scattered current density of a 50 µA beam of 1 MeV protons interacting with a 0.05 µm thick iron target at a distance of 5 cm and an angle of 20 degrees. The relevant equation for scattering probability is given as σ(E,θ) = πZ₁Z₂e⁴(M₁/M₂)/ET². The key insight is that the probability of scattering into an exact angle is zero, necessitating the use of probability density instead, specifically σ(E,θ=20) for accurate current density calculation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of proton scattering and current density concepts
  • Familiarity with the equation for scattering cross-section σ(E,θ)
  • Knowledge of angular dependence in scattering processes
  • Basic principles of particle physics and beam interactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation and applications of the scattering cross-section σ(E,θ)
  • Learn about the role of angular dependence in scattering, including the 1-cosθ factor
  • Explore current density calculations in particle physics
  • Investigate the effects of target thickness on scattering outcomes
USEFUL FOR

Students and researchers in particle physics, particularly those focusing on proton interactions and scattering experiments, will benefit from this discussion.

madeinmsia
Messages
15
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


50uA beam of 1MeV proton
Target = Iron of 0.05um thick
Calculate scattered current density at distance 5 cm at 20 degrees angle

Homework Equations


[tex]\sigma(E,\theta)[/tex] = [tex]\pi*Z_{1}Z_{2}e^{4}(M_{1}/M_{2})/ET^{2}[/tex]

The Attempt at a Solution


I figured the probability of scattering to the angle is [tex]\frac{\int^{20}_{20}\sigma(E,\theta)d\Omega}{\int^{\pi}_{0}\sigma(E,\theta)d\Omega}[/tex]

Then how do i find the scattered current density with the info I have?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The expression you've written down will give you an answer of 0 (zero) - since the probability of scattering exactly into a specified angle will be zero (as you can see from the limits of your integral)...but the probability density will not be zero. You need to find the current density, which is proportional to the probability density.

So, the correct term in the numberator is: [itex]\sigma(E,\theta=20)[/itex]

In any case, I don't know what the terms in the given equation represent, and I don't see where the angular dependence (I expect there should be a [itex]1-cos\theta[/itex] factor somewhere) is embedded.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K