Electronic energy loss of swift protons in the oxides Al2O3, SiO2 and ZrO2

We have evaluated the energy loss of protons when moving through several oxides (Al2O3, SiO2, and ZrO2). The calculations were done in the framework of the dielectric formalism, using a combination of Mermin-type energy-loss functions to describe the outer electrons, together with generalized oscillator strengths to take into account electrons from the inner shells. This method provides a realistic description of the electronic properties of each target. The calculated stopping cross-sections compare fairly well with the available experimental data in a wide range of proton energies. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.