Beam-plasma coupling effects on the stopping power of dense plasmas

The stopping power for ion beams in dense plasmas is investigated on the basis of quantum kinetic equations. Strong correlations between the beam ions and the plasma particles which occur for high ion charge numbers and strongly coupled plasmas are treated on the level of the statically screened T-matrix (binary collision) approximation. Dynamic screening effects are included using a combined scheme which considers both close collisions and collective effects. Applying this approach, the, ion charge number dependence of the stopping power is determined. The result is a modification of the Z(b)(2) scaling law. In particular, the stopping power is reduced for strong beam-plasma coupling. Good agreement is found between T-matrix results and simulation data (particle-in-cell and molecular dynamics) for low beam velocities. [S1063-651X(99)09607-5].