A Facility for Multielemental Analysis by PIXE and the F19(p,αγ)O16 Reaction

Specific advantages with Particle Induced X-Ray Emission are: its (1) multielemental capability, especially when combined with nuclear techniques for lighter elements, (2) speed, (3) low detection limits for small samples and (4) accuracy. To make full use of these advantages, analytical parameters have to be chosen optimally and the facility to be carefully designed. This paper describes an experimental facility constructed to permit continuous development work to optimize the analytical conditions and to allow the gradual implementation of automatic control. Emphasis is also put on the simultaneous use of proton induced gamma rays from fluorine. The features and the performance of the set-up including its accuracy, precision and experimental detection limits are reported.