A simple method for realistic estimation of the most probable energy loss in thin gas layers

A simple method for the estimation of the relativistic rise of the most probable ionisation loss in thin gas layers is suggested. The method is based on the similarity of the most probable and restricted energy loss of relativistic charged particles in matter. This allows to correct the Landau-Sternheimer theory taking into account the fact that particle collisions with internal atomic electrons do not influence the most probable value of the ionisation loss. The effective values of the charge number and average ionisation potential which are simple to calculate are used for this correction. A similarity of the energy loss distributions for various gases and gas layers is found. This similarity is expressed in a constant fraction of the ionisation loss distribution tail area (≅ 1:3.5). It is the value which was used for correction of the Landau-Sternheimer formula. (orig.)