E. Krishnakumar
Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, India
Title: Absolute cross sections for electron ionization of DNA and RNA bases
Biography
Biography: E. Krishnakumar
Abstract
Electron ionization cross sections of biological molecules are essential for modeling radiation damage so that accurate dosages of radiation can be applied in radiation therapy. However, reliable experimental data for many molecules are hardly available and obtaining theoretical data is difficult due to inherent complexity involved in modeling the process. In this context, we have developed a modified relative flow technique to obtain accurate partial and total ion cross sections by electron impact on molecules in solid form and with relatively low vapour pressure at room temperature. We have used this technique to obtain benchmark absolute partial and total ionization cross sections by electron impact on DNA and RNA bases and several other molecules of biological importance. The measurement techniques, the highlights of the cross section data and their comparison to the various theoretical calculations will be presented at the meeting.