Abstract:
The processes of energy loss by electrons in semiconductors and dielectrics are complex and not fully understood to date. These processes determine the mean pair-creation energy. Its value is important for many technical applications such as scintillators, betavoltaics, cathodoluminescence, etc. The main channels of energy losses can be as follows: impact ionization, excitation of collective oscillations of high energy (plasmons) or low energy (phonons).