A nuclear geochemical analysis system for boron quantification using a focused ion beam
E J Charlotta Nilsson1, Per Kristiansson1, Linus Ros1
1Division of Nuclear Physics, Department of Physics, Lund University, Box 118, 221 00 Lund, Sweden.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
|January 24, 2017
Summary
Researchers enhanced geochemical analysis of boron in geological samples using nuclear reaction analysis. The upgraded Lund Ion Beam Analysis Facility achieves 1 µm spatial resolution and detects boron down to 1 µg g⁻¹.
Area of Science:
- Geochemistry
- Nuclear Physics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ion beam analysis (IBA) is a established technique for geochemical analysis of trace elements.
- Particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) are common IBA methods.
- Accurate determination of trace elements like boron is crucial for geological studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the capability of the Lund Ion Beam Analysis Facility for precise boron quantification in geological samples.
- To improve spatial resolution and detection limits for trace element analysis.
- To leverage upgraded detector technology for advanced geoanalytical applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilized nuclear reaction analysis (NRA) for boron determination.
- Implemented an upgraded detector system: a double-sided silicon strip detector with 2048 segments.
- Optimized the geoanalytical setup for enhanced performance.
Main Results:
- Achieved a spatial resolution of 1 µm for boron analysis in geological samples.
- Successfully measured boron content as low as 1 µg g⁻¹.
- Demonstrated the effectiveness of the upgraded detector system.
Conclusions:
- The upgraded Lund Ion Beam Analysis Facility significantly improves the detection limits and spatial resolution for boron analysis.
- Nuclear reaction analysis with advanced detectors is a powerful tool for high-precision geoanalysis.
- This advancement enables more detailed geochemical investigations of geological materials.
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