Selective filtering in PIXE spectrometry

Abstract

The Bartol Research Institute's PIXE facility has made extensive use of selective filters in the study of compositional patterns in archaeological artifacts. The purpose of such filtering is to reduce the intensity of the primary X-rays by up to two orders of magnitude. This allows for an equivalent increase in the beam current and a corresponding reduction in the detection limits for the higher Z trace elements. In this report we bring together all the filter combinations we currently use and discuss their purpose and effectiveness.