Average stopping powers and the use of non-analyte spiking for the determination of phosphorus and sodium by PIPPS

Abstract

Using particle induced prompt photon spectrometry, PIPPS, the ratos of the average stopping powers in samples and standards can be used to determine elemental compositions. Spiking the sample with a known amount of a non-analyte (lithium) compound with known stopping power, appropriate stopping powers in the samples can be determined by measuring the prompt gamma-ray yields induced in the spike. Using 5 MeV protons sodium and phosphorus were determined in ivory, while sodium was determined in geological samples. The method was tested by analyzing the standard reference materials SRM 91, 120c and 694.