Time-Dependent Density-Functional Theory for the Stopping Power of an Interacting Electron Gas for Slow Ions

Abstract

Based on the time-dependent density-functional theory, we have derived a rigorous formula for the stopping power of an {\it interacting} electron gas for ions in the limit of low projectile velocities. If dynamical correlation between electrons is not taken into account, this formula recovers the corresponding stopping power of {\it noninteracting} electrons in an effective Kohn-Sham potential. The correlation effect, specifically the excitonic one in electron-hole pair excitations, however, is found to considerably enhance the stopping power for intermediately charged ions, bringing our theory into good agreement with experiment.

4 pages, 1 figure, Accepted to Phys. Rev. B (Rapid Communication)