Binary collision approximation

<p>In <a href="/facts/Condensed-matter_physics/EBVI5nmL">condensed-matter physics</a>, the binary collision approximation (BCA) is a <a href="/facts/Heuristic/BcBEkv9c">heuristic</a> used to more efficiently <a href="/facts/Computer_simulation/Re6o8vzN">simulate</a> the <a href="/facts/Penetration_depth/QW4glQs0">penetration depth</a> and <a href="/facts/Crystallographic_defect/LHJymDro">defect</a> production by energetic <a href="/facts/Ion/3bePpDna">ions</a> (with <a href="/facts/Kinetic_energy/aJRxUd4p">kinetic energies</a> in the kilo-electronvolt (<a href="/facts/Electronvolt/YMT1fqX9">keV</a>) range or higher) in <a href="/facts/Solid/hj5UsXno">solids</a>. In the method, the ion is approximated to travel through a material by experiencing a sequence of independent binary collisions with sample <a href="/facts/Atom/FoQ4kGN5">atoms</a> (<a href="/facts/Atomic_nucleus/orpIm5Xl">nuclei</a>). Between the collisions, the ion is assumed to travel in a straight path, experiencing electronic <a href="/facts/Stopping_power_(particle_radiation)/JRCnYIpH">stopping power</a>, but <a href="/facts/Elastic_collision/fu8AujA2">losing no energy</a> in collisions with nuclei.
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Binary collision approximation open-in-new

Binary collision approximation