Auger quantitative analysis of brass via target factor analysis

Abstract

The composition of a brass alloy is determined through target factor analysis (TFA) of Auger data. In spite of spectral interference between Cu and Zn transitions, quantitative information is derived from both the low‐energy and the high‐energy part of the brass spectrum. From the less surface‐sensitive high‐energy region, the nominal composition of the alloy is recovered, whereas from the more surface‐sensitive low‐energy region a definitely higher Zn/Cu ratio is found. This is interpreted in terms of surface segregation of Zn brought about by in situ scribing for surface cleaning. Copyright © 1994 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.