Propagation of a high energy heavy ion beam through matter

The propagation of high energy nuclei through water is calculated considering the energy loss and the fragmentation of the nuclei. The probabilities for the production of beam fragments in nuclear collisions are derived from proton target cross sections. For heavier target nuclei an empirical scaling factor is used. In the paper the production of fragments from monoenergetic beams of C, Ne and Ar for various absorber depths is investigated. From the energy spectra of the remaining beam particles and of the fragments depths dose curves are derived. These results are compared with experimental data. (author)