Comparison of proton and neutron cascades generated by proton beams in air, \(\hbox {CO}_2\), and \(\hbox {CH}_4\) environments

Abstract

In this work, we developed a computational study using Geant4 to investigate potential alterations in particle cascades resulting from multiple interactions between a high-energy particle in air, \(\hbox {CO}_2\), and \(\hbox {CH}_4\) environments. Given the extensive range of parameters involved in the research, this study focuses exclusively on the behaviour of protons and neutrons within the cascade for two specific energies of the incident proton, namely 0.5 and 10 GeV. The chosen environment is a cubic box measuring \(10^3~\hbox {km}^3\). Our findings reveal distinct differences in the cascade characteristics among the three gases. The distribution of protons and neutrons throughout the environment varies depending on the type of gas and the depth along the axis of incidence. Specifically, for (\(\hbox {CH}_4\)), a higher production of protons was observed, whereas for (\(\hbox {CO}_2\)), neutron production was more pronounced under certain conditions. Simulations of the Bragg peak were also conducted, where we observed a shift in the maximum energy loss due to ionisation depending on the environment.