Consider new textual definition for heavy ion radiation

[PaulNSchofield]

Textual definition

The current definition is more appropriate for "heavy ion" rather than heavy ion radiation. differences are quite subtle but heavy ion refers to a canonical particle and heavy ion radiation to a set or collection of particles... in general.

Suggested new definition:

A type of ionizing radiation consisting of charged particles that are relatively large and heavy compared to other types of radiation, such as alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Heavy ion radiation is composed of atomic nuclei that have been stripped of their electrons, resulting in positively charged particles.

Editors note: Heavy ion radiation has several notable characteristics and contexts:

High Linear Energy Transfer (LET): Heavy ion radiation has a high linear energy transfer, which means it deposits a significant amount of energy over a short distance as it travels through tissue. This characteristic can lead to more localized and potentially more damaging effects on cells and tissues.

Enhanced Biological Effectiveness: Due to their high LET, heavy ion radiation is considered to have enhanced biological effectiveness, meaning it can cause more severe biological damage per unit of absorbed dose compared to other types of radiation.

Space Radiation: Heavy ion radiation is a component of the cosmic radiation present in space.

[jmskip]

A few minor edits:

A type of ionizing radiation consisting of charged particles that are relatively massive compared to other types of radiation, such as alpha, beta, and gamma radiation. Heavy ion radiation is composed of atomic nuclei that have been stripped of their electrons, resulting in positively charged particles.

Editors note: Heavy ion radiation has several notable characteristics and contexts:

High Linear Energy Transfer (LET): Heavy ion radiation has a high linear energy transfer, which means it deposits a significant amount of energy per unit path length as it travels through tissue. This characteristic can lead to more localized and potentially more damaging effects on cells and tissues.

Enhanced Biological Effectiveness: Due to its high LET, heavy ion radiation in many cases has enhanced biological effectiveness, meaning it can cause more severe biological damage per unit of absorbed dose compared to other types of radiation.

Space Radiation: Heavy ions are a component of the galactic cosmic radiation present in space.

In common use, the distinction between heavy ions and light ions is somewhat flexible and context dependent. For example, "heavy" is sometimes used to refer to any ion heavier than a helium nucleus or even a proton; in practice the dividing line between light and heavy lies around atomic numbers 6-10.

[PaulNSchofield]

we should look at this together then make a decision. Definition looks fine to me with a longish but useful editors note

[DanBerrios]

Discussed 03/14/24 and the current released definition does not appear to be as easily misinterpreted as "heavy ion" ...

[DanBerrios]

Discussed on 5/16/24:

1. Agreed to update definition and add final, edited Editor's note above.