Energy loss straggling of α-particles in Tb, Ta and Au metallic foils

The energy loss straggling of 5.486 MeV α-particles in Tb, Ta and Au metallic foils (varying thicknesses ∼4.20-16.00 mg/cm2) is measured, in the fractional energy loss limits (ΔE/E %) ∼20-85, using transmission technique. These measured straggling values are compared with the predicted values based on Bohr, Lindhard and Scharff, Bethe and Livingston, Yang et al. and Titeica analytical straggling formulas. The present comparison reveals that the prediction of Titeica straggling formula shows better agreement with the measured values as compared to other considered straggling formulas. Here, Titeica formula based predicted values show generally ∼0.60-1.30 times deviation with the presently measured straggling values.