PIXE - Theory and Applications
PIXE - teori och tillämpningar

FKF025F, 7.5 credits

Valid from: Autumn 2016
Decided by: Rektor Viktor Öwall
Date of establishment: 2016-06-21

General Information

Division: Nuclear Physics
Course type: Third-cycle course
Teaching languages: English, Swedish

Aim

Give students an introduction to and experience of the capacity of the PIXE technique and its applications in different fields. In addition and especially for students working with ion beam methods to give a deeper understanding and knowledge about the principles behind and the limitations of the PIXE technique.

Goals

Knowledge and Understanding

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• have a detailed knowledge of instrumentation for a PIXE analysis.
• understand the basic principles behind the PIXE technique and how to accurately make a quantitative analysis.
• have good knowledge of the advantages and limitations of the PIXE technique.

Competences and Skills

For a passing grade the doctoral student must

• know how to design and prepare a sample for PIXE analysis.
• know how to select irradiation parameters for an optimal measurement.
• by computer fitting of a spectrum be able to quantify the corresponding sample.
• be able to present and discuss in seminar form a topic relevant to the course.
• have developed skills for collaboration with a "PIXE expert" in defining a new experimental procedure.

Judgement and Approach

For a passing grade the doctoral student must be able to search scientific information that is relevant for writing a report within the field of the course.

Course Contents

PIXE theory; generation of characteristic X-rays by MeV ions, cross-sections, mechanisms of (spectral) background production, X-ray transmission and matrix composition, spectrum deconvolution and sample quantification, beam current measurements. Applications of PIXE within e.g. biology, medicine, atmospheric and environmental research, geo-science/ material, archaeology. Calibration of a PIXE-setup by finding and using fundamental parameters. The course is given in two modes; in the first PIXE theory and practice will be presented as lectures, in the second mode the students present different applications of their own interest and choice.

Course Literature

• Johansson, Sven A. E. & Campbell, John L.: PIXE: a novel technique for elemental analysis. John Wiley & Sons Inc, 1988. ISBN 9780471920113.
• Artiklar tillhandahållna av Avdelningen för Kärnfysik..

Instruction Details

Types of instruction: Lectures, seminars, laboratory exercises, exercises, project. The theory is discussed in lectures presented by senior scientists and the PhD students themselves. Computer and laboratory exercises are performed at the accelerator laboratory Lund Ion Beam Analysis Facility (LIBAF).

Examination Details

Examination formats: Written exam, seminars given by participants. Written exam after having given a seminar.
Grading scale: Failed, pass
Examiner:

Admission Details

Assumed prior knowledge: Atomic and Nuclear Physics on an introductory level, e.g. FAFF10

Further Information

The course will be given in English, if required.

Course Occasion Information

Contact and Other Information

Course coordinators:
Web page: http://www.nuclear.lu.se/utbildning/forskarutbildningskurser/pixe-teori-och-tillaempningar/