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Multiple-instrument analyses of single micron-size particles
Uri Admon1, David Donohue, Helmut Aigner
1Physics, Chemistry, and Instrumentation Laboratory, International Atomic Energy Agency, P.O. Box 100, A-1400 Vienna (Seibersdorf), Austria. uadmon@netvision.net.il
Summary
Precisely relocating particles of interest (POIs) is crucial for environmental research and nuclear forensics. A new triangulation method using reference marks achieves high relocation precision, enabling repeated analyses across different instruments and labs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental science
- Nuclear forensics
- Analytical chemistry
Background:
- Precise relocation of micro-particles is essential for detailed analysis in environmental research and nuclear forensics.
- Current methods for particle analysis often require re-locating particles of interest (POIs) after initial characterization in scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement, test, and evaluate a novel triangulation method for the precise relocation of POIs.
- To establish a reliable and efficient method for relocating particles between different analytical instruments, such as SEM and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).
Main Methods:
- The study utilized a triangulation method based on microscopic reference marks on the sample holder to create an inherent coordinate system.
- Experiments were conducted for SEM-to-SEM and SEM-to-SIMS relocation to assess the method's precision and applicability.
Main Results:
- The triangulation method achieved a relocation precision better than 10 micrometers in SEM-to-SEM experiments.
- A precision of better than 20 micrometers was attained in SEM-to-SIMS experiments, demonstrating its effectiveness across different instruments.
- The method proved to be fast, easy to apply, and facilitated repeated analyses of individual particles.
Conclusions:
- The described triangulation method offers a robust solution for the precise relocation of micro-particles.
- This technique enhances the capability for repeated and multi-instrumental analysis of particles, advancing environmental research and nuclear forensics.
- The method's ease of use and high precision make it a valuable tool for scientists working with micro-particle analysis.