Implementing PIXE and PIGE at the Texas A&M University cyclotron institute

Abstract

Accelerator-based Ion Beam Analysis (IBA) has been actively used at the Cyclotron Institute (CI) at Texas A&M University (TAMU) to support the undergraduate research program. PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission) and PIGE (Particle Induced Gamma-ray Emission) are examples of traditional ion beam techniques for elemental analysis. In the past year, our laboratory has assembled PIXE and PIGE experiments with the intention of collaborating with other departments and universities in the study of contaminants' pathways to the environment and characterization of materials and, in addition, contribute didactically to undergraduates involved in the project. The implementation of routine PIXE and PIGE analysis at the CI allows students to perform elemental composition studies nondestructively, for a large number of samples in a variety of matrices (environmental or biological) with minimal time and sample preparation. The experiments were performed at the TAMU CI, using the K150 cyclotron. Each matrix was bombarded with a proton beam that ranged from 3.6 - 6.3 MeV, with an intensity between 5 - 9 nA and a beam spot size of 5 - 10 mm. The resulting x- and gamma-rays were measured with SiPIN, SOO and CdTe high-performance x- and gamma-ray detectors, located at 45°and 135°with respect to the beam direction. We will discuss our recent projects in detail and the impact they have on the research program and on undergraduate education.