Analysis of gases using 33 MeV He recoil detection technique

Abstract

Measurements of hydrogen and light elements in gases have been performed using the elastic recoil detection analysis (ERDA) technique at the Radial Ridge Cyclotron facility of the School of Physics and Space Research. A 33 MeV beam of 3He particles was employed to bombard the gas samples contained in a small, medium-pressure gas cell. The recoiled particles were detected with a standard silicon detector telescope arrangement. As the gas sample could be considered to behave as a thin target, measurements were made in a transmission geometry with kinematic coincidence. By using ERDA, coupled with this kinematic coincidence technique, sensitivities down to 1 part in 10 6 can be achieved. Light element isotopes up to 7Li can be detected with this system. The performance of this analytical method and its application to gases is discussed in detail.