Observation of the influence of intermolecular interactions on stopping cross sections

Abstract

The electronic stopping cross sections for 200-840-keV $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ projectiles measured in liquid organic substances are analyzed with respect to the influence of intermolecular interaction. A systematic deviation from the average behavior has been detected. A comparison with the stopping cross sections of gases leads to the conclusion that the deviations are caused by intermolecular interactions. This is confirmed by analyzing other quantities depending upon intermolecular interactions, i.e., the van der Waals coefficients and the velocity of sound.