Equilibrium charge state distributions for boron and carbon ions emerging from carbon and aluminum targets

Equilibrium charge state distributions of boron and carbon ions through carbon and aluminum targets were measured with an energy range of 3–6 MeV. Comparisons of the data with relevant semi-empirical models for the equilibrium mean charge states and for the charge state distribution widths could provide valuable insight on the underlying mechanisms for a fast ion to lose or capture electrons. In-depth examinations of the experimental results in combination with semi-empirical models suggest that equilibrium charge state distributions are well represented by Gaussian distributions.