Electron loss cross sections for a heavy ion beam probe

Electron loss cross sections of Au+ and Au2+ by electron and proton impact are calculated by using respectively the Lotz formula and the LOSS and CAPTURE computer codes. The corresponding rate coefficients have also been calculated. Using this information, the signal levels of heavy ion beam probe in the Large Helical Device are estimated. The calculated beam currents at the detector position are compared with the detected beam currents in the MeV energy range for a plasma electron density of 1 x 1019 m-3 and electron temperature of 1.5 keV. The obtained cross section / rate coefficient data can also be used for reconstruction of electron density and temperature profiles. (author)