Development of non-destructive isotopic analysis methods using muon beams and their application to the analysis of lead

Abstract

Elemental isotopic ratios are measured in various research fields and provide useful information regarding age, origin, geological and biological activities, ancient climate, etc. Here, we report a new isotopic analysis method without sample destruction using muon-induced characteristic X-rays. We demonstrated this method by conducting muon-beam irradiation experiments on two Pb plates with different isotopic ratios: natural isotopic composition and artificially enriched 208 Pb. The observed broad X-ray peaks of the Pb K α line around 6 MeV were deconvolved with 206 Pb, 207 Pb, and 208 Pb isotopes, giving the isotopic ratios. The resulting isotopic ratios were consistent with those obtained from mass spectrometry.Publisher's Note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Non-destructive, position-selective, and multi-elemental analysis method involving negative muons

“…ples for the first time, and the results were consistent with those from mass spectrometry 40 . Owing to the absence of practical methods for non-destructive isotopic analysis, a muon-based method has potential for application in various scientific studies.…”

A simple and reversible glass–glass bonding method to construct a microfluidic device and its application for cell recovery

“…The remaining glass plates were treated by either oxygen plasma (30 W, 1 min at oxygen flow rate of 8 mL min −1 ) in a compact etcher (FA-1, Samco, Kyoto, Japan), sonication in aqueous solution containing 5% neutral detergent for 60 min followed by water rinse, or piranha solution followed by water rinse. The surface conditions of the glass plates were investigated by sputtered neutral mass spectrometry (SNMS) [47][48][49] in the following conditions. Primary ion beams of 0.3 μs pulse and 1 μm diameter accelerated by 30 kV were irradiated onto the surface of a glass sample at a repetition rate of 500 Hz to generate sample particles.…”

“…For evaluating chemical groups on a glass surface, various glass surfaces were investigated by SNMS. [47][48][49] The measuring surfaces were prepared through glass cleaning by water only, neutral detergent solution followed by water rinse, oxygen plasma, or piranha solution followed by water rinse. Fig.…”

Mudirac: A Dirac equation solver for elemental analysis with muonic X‐rays

“…It has been shown [ 42 ] that muonic X‐ray analysis is also a good way to discern between isotopes of the same element, thanks to the effect of finite nuclear size and mass. Here we show the prediction made by mudirac for 204 Pb, 206 Pb, 207 Pb and 208 Pb, using as reference experimental data from the literature.…”