Accurate alpha-particle stopping power measurements in graphenic carbon foils and their application to high-precision, non-destructive areal density determination

Researchers have developed a precise, non-destructive technique to measure the areal density of thin graphenic carbon foils using alpha-particle energy loss. Two types of foils from KETEK GmbH and Applied Nanotech Inc. were analyzed, both with similar nominal densities but differing compositions. High-resolution alpha spectroscopy achieved energy loss measurements with less than 1% uncertainty. The accuracy of the determined areal densities and stopping powers was mainly limited by foil metrology, such as mass and area determination, rather than the energy loss measurement itself. Experimental stopping powers were compared to theoretical models, with a modified Bethe formalism providing the best fit. This research is valuable for calibrating simulations and understanding energy deposition in carbon-based materials, with potential applications in accelerator technology, radiopharmaceutical research, and medical physics for targeted therapies.

This study offers a highly accurate method for material characterization with implications for advanced scientific and medical applications.