PIXE in complex analytical systems for atmospheric chemistry

A schematic mechanistic box model presenting processes in atmospheric chemical cycles is used to present the main research objectives. From this the main use of PIXE within atmospheric chemistry is discussed. An analytic system giving molecular composition is necessary to fully understand and quantify the chemical and physical pathways described in the model for different compounds. Combining PIXE with complementary techniques can enhance knowledge of molecular composition. Therefore, techniques which are complementary to PIXE that give such important parameters as mass, soot, and major ions are discussed. Difficulties in efficiently combining and using the discussed analytical techniques in practice are recognized. The sampling substrates and sampling methods used are discussed and evaluated from this point of view. The use of thin Al foil as substrate and an electrostatic precipitator for aerosol sampling is suggested as one solution. The importance of developing methods for use of this analytical system of the different phases present in the atmosphere is stressed

PIXE and proton microprobe advances at the Lund Institute of Technology

A review of recent advances in high-energy ion beam analysis at the Lund Institute of Technology is presented. A nonvacuum specimen chamber allows chemical speciation using a combination of ion beam analysis and controlled heating. The development of a new versatile scanning proton microbeam based on a new dedicated accelerator, an achromatic triplet lens and an advanced specimen chamber is outlined together with the performance of a microVAX-II/VMEbus-based data acquisition system

PIXE and proton microprobe advances at the Lund Institute of Technology

A review of recent advances in high-energy ion beam analysis at the Lund Institute of Technology is presented. A nonvacuum specimen chamber allows chemical speciation using a combination of ion beam analysis and controlled heating. The development of a new versatile scanning proton microbeam based on a new dedicated accelerator, an achromatic triplet lens and an advanced specimen chamber is outlined together with the performance of a microVAX-II/VMEbus-based data acquisition system