Quantum transport theory for atomic states through solids

We present a quantum description for the evolution of atomic states of fast projectiles traveling through matter. Our approach is based on the solutio n of a quantum Langevin equation, i.e., a stochastic time-dependent Schrodi nger equation that describes electronic excitations of atoms during their t ransport through solids. The present description can be considered the quan tized version of a previously developed classical transport theory. We anal yze in detail the correspondence between classical and quantum transport si mulations. Applications to the stripping of relativistic H- and H through t hin carbon foils and a comparison with experimental data are presented. [S1 050-2947(99)00308-X].