Ion-matter interaction: An overview of available formulations/codes

Abstract Ion-matter interaction has significant effects on electronic, structural, thermal, mechanical, and other properties of the target materials. In this process of interaction, the accurate knowledge of the parameters such as range, energy loss, straggling, and stopping power/force is of great importance for ion-beam science and technology. For complete understanding of interaction and successful applications of ion-beam technology, to study the positive and negative consequences of irradiation, a thorough knowledge (experimentally as well as theoretically) of the interaction processes is important, and for this, knowledge of different theories, formulations, codes, and their time to time modifications is required. Although this subject has been of interest for many years, updated review/analysis of available formulations/codes is necessary and it is a demand of time. In this review/survey article, basic procedures adopted by different authors, and reliability and availability of various formulations/codes are discussed. This type of article will boost the reader’s interest to study the effects/defects of radiation and will encourage them to work on the emerging applications of ion-beam science and technology.