Particle‐Induced γ‐Ray Emission

Abstract

Particle‐induced γ‐ray emission (PIGE) is commonly applied for quantitative analysis of materials. γ‐Rays, characteristic of the elements, are emitted after nuclear reactions. These reactions are induced by particle beams (e.g. protons) from accelerators. The reaction conditions and probabilities are explained, as well as the γ‐ray properties and probabilities of emission. Knowledge of those parameters enables concentrations of elements to be deduced from the γ‐ray spectra, which under certain conditions are also depth dependent. Therefore the samples must be small and flat. The experimental set‐up and procedures are given together with a table with the most intense proton reactions and the energies of the emitted γ‐rays. Various examples are given to illustrate the method in different applications.