Interface effects in the Monte Carlo simulation of electron tracks
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 3, 2026

Electrochemical Etching and Characterization of Sharp Field Emission Points for Electron Impact Ionization
Published on: July 12, 2016
Abstract:
An analog of Fano's theorem for ionization in cavities is shown to hold for the stepwise representation of electron paths used in Monte Carlo computer models of electron transport. This brings to light an error in the distribution of electron paths and hence energy deposition which is induced by interrupting steps which cross the interface between media of different densities. The magnitude of the error depends on the shape of the cavity and its size relative to the electron path length in the cavity gas. In a typical calculation of a cylindrical chamber exposed to 60Co radiation, if the electron step size is taken as 10% of the remaining path, then a 3% energy deficit in the cavity results. An algorithm for crossing an interface is described which does not produce this error.
Related Concept Videos
π Electron Effects on Chemical Shift: Overview
Scanning Electron Microscopy
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Electrostatic Boundary Conditions
The surface integral of an electric field is given by Gauss's law in integral form and is related to...
Electrostatic Boundary Conditions in Dielectrics
Consider a case where both the mediums across a boundary are two different dielectric materials. Recall that the electric field and electric displacement are proportional and related through the material's permittivity.
Equilibrium Conditions for a Particle
To understand the concept of equilibrium, let us first consider the forces acting on an object. When different forces act on an object, they can...
Fermi Level Dynamics
Electron affinity in semiconductors refers to the energy gap between the minimum of its conduction band and the vacuum level and it is a critical parameter in determining how easily a semiconductor can accept additional electrons.
The work...

