Auger electron and characteristic energy loss spectra for electro-deposited americium-241

Abstract

Auger electron energy spectra for electro-deposited americium-241 on platinum substrate were obtained using a cylindrical mirror analyzer. Characteristic energy loss spectra for this sample were also obtained at primary electron beam energies of 990 and 390 eV. From these measurements PI, PII, and PIII energy levels for americium-241 are determined. Auger electron energies are compared with theoretically calculated values. Minimum detectability under the present condition of sample preparation and equipment was estimated at approximately 1.2×10−8 g/cm2 or 3.9×10−8 Ci/cm2. Minimum detectability for plutonium-239 under similar conditions was estimated at about 7.2×10−10 Ci/cm2.