Progress further in this document and web constitutes acceptance of the terms of our copyright and disclaimer.

CSIRO-GEMOC Nuclear Microprobe CSIRO
Interactions of MeV ions with matter permit microanalysis and imaging of sample constituents using excited X-rays (PIXE - Proton Induced X-ray Emission), gamma-rays from nuclear reactions (PIGE - Proton Induced Gamma-ray Emission), outgoing nuclear reaction particles (NRA - Nuclear Reaction Analysis), elastically scattered ions (BS - Backscattering), (ERDA - Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis), or visible and infrared emissions from the sample (IL - Ionoluminescence).

The ion beam can also be channelled down crystal axes and planes. Many of these techniques can be combined with channelling to study the lattice location of species (CCM - Channelling Contrast Microscopy).

MeV protons are very penetrating while producing very little sample damage. These qualities permit the in situ, non-destructive analysis and imaging of buried structures such as solid and fluid inclusions in minerals.
Proton Induced X-ray Emission

Proton Induced Gamma-ray Emission

Backscattering

Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis

Nuclear Reaction Analysis

Channelling Contrast Microscopy

Ionoluminescence


Return to NMP microanalysis

ERDA - Elastic Recoil Detection Analysis

By using a beam particle heavier than the target atoms of interest, the lighter target atoms can be knocked forward in the collision and recoil out of the target. Detection of these particles, after rejection of scattered beam, provides a method for the analysis and depth profiling of light elements. The approach is especially useful for hydrogen analysis.

Further Reading:

  • M.B.H. Breese, D.N. Jamieson and P.J.C. King, "Materials Analysis using a Nuclear Microprobe", Wiley and Sons, New York, 1996.
  • M. Mosbah, J. Tirira, R. Clocchiatti, J. Gosset and P. Massiot, Nucl. Instr. Meth. B49 (1990) 340.
  • J. Tirira, P. Trocellier, M. Mosbah and N. Metrich, Nucl. Instr. Meth. B56 (1991) 839.
  • Sie, S.H., Suter, G.F., Chekhmir, A. & Green T.H. (1995): "Microbeam Recoil Detection for the Study of Hydration of Minerals", Nucl. Instr. Meth. B104 (1995) 261-266.

For further information contact: Dr. Chris Ryan via email: (Chris.Ryan@csiro.au)

+61-2-9490 8673
+61-2-9490 8909
CSIRO Exploration and Mining
PO Box 136
North Ryde NSW 2113
Australia


CSIRO-GEMOC Nuclear Microprobe
CSIRO Exploration and Mining

CSIRO © 1999-2002

Please direct comments about this web page to Chris Ryan.
Graphics for these pages have been prepared using Amiga rendering and image processing software.