Energy Loss and Straggling in Silicon by High-Energy Electrons, Positive Pions, and Protons

Abstract

The most probable energy loss and energy-loss straggling are investigated in lithium-drifted silicon for electrons, positive pions, and protons with energies 31.5-767.2 MeV. Very good agreement with theory is obtained with protons and pions. The electron spectra demonstrate effects which can be attributed to the absorption by the detector of a portion of the electron bremsstrahlung radiation. No apparent evidence for a predicted decrease in electron ionization through radiative corrections is observed.