Needing elemental alpha particle scattering/peak resonances

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the need for detailed information on alpha particle scattering resonances for various elements, particularly in the context of ion beam analysis used for compositional analysis. Participants seek to enhance mass resolution in their experiments by identifying resonance energies that can aid in detecting trace elements like Boron.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes the use of an ion beam analysis lab for compositional analysis through alpha particle scattering and expresses the need for a comprehensive list of resonance energies for various elements.
  • Another participant inquires about the specific peaks and signal characteristics observed in the experiments, indicating a focus on practical experimental details.
  • A participant mentions the expectation of detecting small amounts of Boron and highlights the importance of knowing the peak resonance energy for effective detection against a lithium-boron target.
  • One participant provides a specific resonance energy of 3.93 MeV for Boron and invites others to contribute additional resonance values.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a common interest in identifying resonance energies, but the discussion does not reach a consensus on a comprehensive list of values or the specifics of the experimental setup.

Contextual Notes

The discussion lacks detailed information on the experimental conditions and the completeness of the provided resonance tables. There are also uncertainties regarding the detection methods and the expected outcomes of the experiments.

Who May Find This Useful

Researchers and practitioners involved in ion beam analysis, particularly those focused on compositional analysis and detection of trace elements using alpha particle scattering techniques.

mesa
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On our campus we have an ion beam analysis lab. It is used for compositional analysis through the firing of alpha particles at MeV energies at target samples (RBS). From here it is a simple matter of back scattering kinematics to calculate atomic masses thereby giving the general composition of the test samples.

There are many cases for overlap of the peaks in channels and to compensate some tables have been provided by the lab for finding scattering (peak) resonances of certain elements to increase mass resolution, however it is by no means complete.

It would be helpful to have a more thorough listing of elements/alpha particle scattering resonance energies; my search has so far proven futile. Does anyone have a link or know of a good resource for this information?
 
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what peaks were you given? and what was your signal like?
 
ChrisVer said:
what peaks were you given? and what was your signal like?

The experiments have not been carried out yet, however the expectation for one of them is the production of small amounts of Boron which will then need to be detected. If I know the peak resonance energy of the incident alpha particles against a lithium-boron target then it would make it easier to spot trace amounts of said element.

The idea is similar to the resonance/peak for oxygen with the beam running 3.05~3.06MeV, this yields a huge 'spike' in the data where we might not normally be able to see this element. The idea is the same here.
 
3.93MeV is the resonance energy for Boron, a surprisingly difficult value to find! If anyone else has others to add please do so, the help is always appreciated :)
 

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