BSCAT: Code for simulation and for analysis of the RBS/NRA spectra

Abstract

A beam of charged particles as a tool for non-destructive analysis of the structure and elemental composition of thin-surface layers is frequently used in material investigations. Nuclear methods such as RBS or NRA techniques have a good depth resolution and sufficient mass sensitivity. Many computer programs exist, like the RUMP [see L.R. Doolitle, Nucl. Instr. and Meth. B 9 (1985) 344] or DVBS [see V. Boháč and D.M. Shirokov, Nucl. Instr. and Meth. B 84 (1994) 497] codes, for simulation and for analysis of experimental results collected in measurements with beams of charged particles. A new computer code, called BSCAT (BackSCATtering), was created at the Institute of Nuclear Physics to analyze experimental spectra and to simulate new experiments. The BSCAT code, written in FORTRAN-77 and partially in C, can work on IBM personal computers or on larger computers such as CONVEX machines. As input for the program both Rutherford and non-Rutherford cross sections can be used and the stopping power function can be calculated by the Ziegler or the Montenegro formula. The program was used in the analysis of complex spectra of backscattered particles. Among other applications the BSCAT code was used for analysis of the spectrum of 2100 keV protons bombarding a thin carbon foil created by the IBAD technique on the surface of a Si {111} single crystal [ 12C(p, p) 12C and 28Si(p, p) 28Si resonance].