We have performed a combined theoretical and experimental study of the energy loss of Li ions in Zn, on a wide range of energies, together with comparative studies for H and He ions on the same target. By using Zn films and the Rutherford backscattering technique, we were able to determine the stopping power for Li ions in the (0.3 to 5) MeV energy interval. The experimental results cover an energy range which includes the maximum of the stopping power. The values obtained agree well with previous measurements performed in a limited energy interval and with the semiempirical code SRIM 2006. On the other hand, we have performed ab initio theoretical calculations based on the extended Friedel sum rule–transport cross section formulation for the valence electrons and the shellwise local plasma approximation for the inner shells. This theoretical description reproduces reasonably well the experimental results on the whole studied energy range. The same occurs with previous measurements performed with H and He on the same target. The importance of the screened potential on the stopping power due to the valence electrons is stressed in the present description.

• Received 27 July 2007

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.77.042901