Antiproton stopping power data for radiation therapy simulations

Area of Science:

• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Computational Physics
• Radiation Physics

Background:

• Accurate stopping power data is crucial for modeling particle transport in matter.
• Antiprotons show promise for targeted radiation therapy due to their unique energy deposition properties.
• Previous calculations may not fully account for complex electron-electron correlations in targets.

Purpose of the Study:

• To calculate antiproton stopping powers for various targets relevant to radiation therapy.
• To provide data for Monte Carlo simulations of antiproton transport.
• To improve the accuracy of antiproton interaction modeling in biological and gaseous media.

Main Methods:

• Convergent close-coupling (CCC) method was employed for calculations.
• Multiconfiguration approximation was used to account for electron-electron correlations in helium and hydrogen molecule targets.
• An independent-event model was utilized for two-electron processes.
• A neon-like structure model with a pseudo-spherical potential described the water molecule.

Main Results:

• Stopping powers for antiprotons in hydrogen, helium, hydrogen molecules, and water have been computed.
• Electron-electron correlations were fully included for He and H2 targets.
• Tabulated results are provided for direct use in simulation codes.

Conclusions:

• The study provides essential data for antiproton radiation therapy simulations.
• The employed methods accurately model antiproton interactions with different target types.
• The results facilitate more precise predictions of antiproton dosimetry and treatment planning.