Interactions of Low-Energy Electrons with Condensed Matter: Relevance for Track Structure

  • R. H. Ritchie
  • R. N. Hamm
  • J. E. Turner
  • W. E. Bolch
Chapter
Part of the Basic Life Sciences book series (BLSC, volume 63)

Abstract

Here we review the state of knowledge about the transport of subexcitation electrons in water. Longitudinal optical phonon and acoustical phonon interactions with an electron added to the system can give rise to an increase in the effective mass of the electron and to its damping. We generalize the pioneering treatment of thermalization given by Frölich and Platzman to apply to both long-range, polarization-type interactions, and as well to short-range interactions of low-energy electrons in water. When an electron is ejected from a molecule in condensed matter quantum interference may take place between the various excitation processes occuring in the medium. We have estimated the magnitude of this interference effect, together with the effect of Coulombic interactions on the thermalization of subexcitation electrons generated in the vicinity of a track of positive ions in water.

Keywords

Liquid Water Phonon Spectrum Coulomb Force Radiation Chemistry Phonon Interaction 
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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 1994

Authors and Affiliations

  • R. H. Ritchie
    • 1
    • 2
  • R. N. Hamm
    • 1
  • J. E. Turner
    • 1
    • 2
  • W. E. Bolch
    • 3
  1. 1.Oak Ridge National LaboratoryOak RidgeUSA
  2. 2.Department of PhysicsUniversity of TennesseeKnoxvilleUSA
  3. 3.College StationTexas A&M UniversityUSA

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