Stopping power and mean free path for low-energy electrons in ten scintillators over energy range of 20–20,000 eV

Systematic calculations of the stopping powers (SP) and inelastic mean free paths (IMFP) for 20–20,000 eV electrons in a group of 10 important scintillators have been carried out. The calculations are based on the dielectric model including the Born–Ochkur exchange correction and the optical energy loss functions (OELFs) are empirically evaluated because of the lack of available experimental optical data for the scintillators under consideration. The evaluated OELFs are examined by both the f-sum rule and the calculation of mean ionization potential. The SP and IMFP data presented here are the first results for the 10 scintillators over the energy range of 20–20,000 eV, and are of key importance for the investigation of liquid scintillation counting.

► Scintillators are important materials used in liquid scintillation counting (LSC). ► Stopping power (SP) and inelastic mean free path (IMFP) are important for LSC. ► SPs and IMFPs for electrons of 20 eV–20 keV in 10 scintillators systematically calculated. ► Dielectric model used and optical energy loss function empirically evaluated. ► SP and IMFP data presented here are the first results for the 10 scintillators.