Charge identification studies of nuclear fragments in the FOOT experiment

Hadrontherapy makes use of high-energy ion beams for killing deep-seated tumors, and it represents an alternative to the more common radiotherapy, which uses γ-rays or electrons. The main advantage consists in its depth-dose profile: a low dose distribution characterizes the entrance in matter, while the end of the path is characterized by an energy peak (Bragg peak). Protons are the most employed ions, nevertheless also heavier ions are currently being employed. Carbon ions treatments are already available, and other ions, such Oxygen and Helium, are being studied. Nuclear interactions between beam ions and matter produce fragments that must be taken into account. Even if their cross section is much lower compared to the electromagnetic ones, the produced fragments can still strongly modify the depth-dose profile. Radio-protection in space represents another field which could potentially benefit from these studies: radiations from space are one of the main problems in space missions,especially for the long-term ones outside Earth low orbit. A deep study of the impact of these processes is fundamental for these purposes. There are indeed few data concerning these particular cross sections. For these purposes, the FragmentatiOn Of Target (FOOT) experiment has been proposed, in order to precisely measure fragments double differential cross sections, in angle and kinetic energy. In this thesis, fragments charge identification performed by the Tof-Wall will be discussed, and possible improvements in the algorithm will be given. Monte Carlo simulated data of a 200 MeV/n Oxygen ions beam impinging on a Carbon target, using the GSI 2021 setup, have been used to obtain the results that will be presented.