Pixe and Its Application to the Element Analysis of Milan Air Particulate Matter

摘要

The features of the Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) system using the proton beam of the tandem Van de Graaff accelerator are described. The system was calibrated for quantitative analyses, its reliability was verified, and its advantages were compared with other techniques. The main advantage of the PIXE system is shown to be in the analysis of microquantities of matter. The system was used in the study of the atmospheric aerosol of Milan. Average element concentrations and their daily and seasonal variations are given along with particle size distributions.