A new PIXE setup dedicated to the analysis of aerosol samples

https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-583X(90)90282-YGet rights and content

Abstract

A chamber was designed and built to simplify and expedite the PIXE/PIGE analysis of a large number of aerosol samples collected with an automated sampler, extensively used in background aerosol monitoring campaigns. This sampler collects the aerosol automatically on strips of Nuclepore filter membranes, each normally containing fourteen samples and two blanks. Eight such filter strips can be loaded into a revolving magazine in the chamber and analyzed in a simultaneous PIXE/PIGE analysis. A ninth filter frame holds a quartz plate for beam inspection and standard samples for quality assurance. The functions of the chamber can be operated both manually or automatically. Normally the elements Na, S, K, Ca, Ti, V, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb can be detected in the fine fraction samples even in continental background air masses. The lowest detection limits (0.07 ngm3) are found in the region between Zn and Se.

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