Energy deposition of heavy ions in matter

The energy loss of heavy ions in matter is completely different From the ca se of laser beams. Whereas laser radiation produces a plasma on the surface of the target and heats the volume mostly by shock waves, heavy ions penet rate deep into the target with an almost-constant energy loss in the beginn ing and a very high energy loss at the end of the range, the so called "Bra gg peak." This special behavior offers excellent possibilities For the exam ination of critical points of different materials, the measurement of bench marks for equations of state, production and detection of X-rays and XUV ra diation, investigations in physics of overdense plasma, and many more topic s. In particular, heavy ion beams are considered to be a very efficient dri ver for an inertial confinement fusion power plant. Thus, research on the e lementary processes of the energy deposition of heavy ions in matter with r espect to inertial fusion energy is of primary interest.