Scattering data for modelling positron tracks in gaseous and liquid water

10 págs.; 7 figs.; 1 tab.We present in this study a self-consistent set of scattering cross sections for positron collisions with water molecules, in the energy range 0.1-10 000 eV, with the prime motivation being to provide data for modelling purposes. The structure of the database is based on a new model potential calculation, including interference terms, which provides differential and integral elastic as well as integral inelastic positron scattering cross sections for water molecules over the whole energy range considered here. Experimental and theoretical data available in the literature have been integrated into the database after a careful analysis of their uncertainties and their self-consistency. These data have been used as input parameters for a step-by-step Monte Carlo simulation procedure, providing valuable information on energy deposition, positron range, and the relative percentages of specific interactions (e.g. positronium formation, direct ionisation, electronic, vibrational and rotational excitations) in gaseous and liquid water. © 2016 IOP Publishing LtdThis study has been partially supported by the Spanish MINECO (Project FIS2012-31230). We also are grateful for financial support from European Union programmes (COST CM1301 and FP7-ITN ARGENT) as well as from the International Doctoral Programme RABITT (PD/00193/2012) funded by the Portuguese national funding agency, FCTMCTES through UID/FIS/00068/2013 and UID/Multi/ 04378/2013 (UCIBIO). KK and PLV acknowledge FCTMCTES for SFRH/BD/52536/2014 and the research grants PTDC/FIS-ATO/1832/2012 and UID/FIS/00068/2013. We gratefully acknowledge support from the Australian Research Council, while MJB and SJB thank the University of Malaysia for their ‘Icon Professor’ appointments. ZLjP and SM are grateful to MPNTRS OI171037 III 41011 and SASA 155 projects and S Dujko, A Banković and J Marler for valuable information and collaboration on related issues.Peer Reviewe