The interaction of fast charged particles with plasma targets

Particle beams ICF targets are high energy density plasmas. As a result, various processes involved in the interaction of fast charged particles with such targets are different from those encountered in cold matter. Ways to treat the slowing down of fast point charge particles of known charge are discussed, considering the effects due to free and bound electrons. Plasma effects on the charge state of heavy and intermediate ions as they are slowed down can cause drastic changes in the range and deposition profile relative to those in cold matter. These effects follow from the differences in the ionization and capture processes between plasmas and cold targets. Experiments devised in order to detect these effects are discussed and plasma effects in the interpretation of measurements, such as the opacity effects in x-ray spectroscopy are studied.