Simulation of excited-state formation of hydrogen in transmission of relativistic H- ions through thin foils

We present a theoretical description of the formation of excited states H(n) due to the interaction of relativistic H- ions with thin foils. The classical transport theory based on a Monte Carlo-solution of a Langevin equation is generalized to relativistic speeds of the projectile. Relativistic corrections are introduced to both collision dynamics and kinematics. The n distribution of excited states, H(n), is studied as a function of the foil thickness and compared with recent experimental data.