A nuclear geochemical analysis system for boron quantification using a focused ion beam

E J Charlotta Nilsson,Jan Pallon,Nathaly De La Rosa,Ulf Hålenius,Mikael Elfman,Linus Ros,Henrik Skogby,Per Kristiansson

doi:10.1007/s10967-016-5030-z

Abstract

Ion beam analysis has for decades been used as a tool for geochemical analysis of trace elements using both X-rays (particle induced X-ray emission) and nuclear reaction analysis. With the geoanalytical setup at the Lund Ion Beam Analysis Facility, the boron content in geological samples with a spatial resolution of 1 µm is determined through nuclear reaction analysis. In the newly upgraded setup, a single detector has been replaced by a double sided silicon strip detector with 2048 segments. After optimization, boron content in geological samples as low as 1 µg g−1 can be measured.

Highlights

Ion beam analysis has for decades been used as a tool for geochemical analysis of trace elements using both X-rays and nuclear reaction analysis
With the geoanalytical setup at the Lund Ion Beam Analysis Facility, the boron content in geological samples with a spatial resolution of 1 lm is determined through nuclear reaction analysis
The chemical element boron is of importance in rather diverse fields, e.g. as a dopant in semiconductors and carbon nanotubes, see e.g. [1, 2] and in BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy), see e.g. [3]

Summary

Introduction

The chemical element boron is of importance in rather diverse fields, e.g. as a dopant in semiconductors and carbon nanotubes, see e.g. [1, 2] and in BNCT (Boron Neutron Capture Therapy), see e.g. [3]. Advantages of analyzing boron in geological samples using NRA are e.g. that the technique does not suffer from the matrix effects that are generally pronounced in SIMS [7]. Techniques commonly employed for analysis of boron in geological samples, such as prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) and neutron activation analysis (NAA), see e.g. [8,9,10], can in some cases give even higher sensitivity than the proposed NRA method Neither of these techniques provides any lateral resolution, needed for 2D imaging of the sample, they are not of interest for this particular case

Methods

Results

Conclusion