RBS/ERD simulation problems: Stopping powers, nuclear reactions and detector resolution

Abstract

A new program has been developed for the graphical analysis of data from Rutherford Back scattering (RBS) and Elastic Recoil Detection (ERD) material analysis experiments. The program can evaluate experiments using any incident ion, at any energy, for any planar target. It incorporates the full stopping power database of the SRIM/TRIM ion beam programs. All scattered ions and recoiling target atoms are followed out of the target and through any filtering absorbers (ERD absorber foils and foils on detector windows). Straggling is included using any of five optional straggling theories. Commonly used nuclear reaction cross-sections are automatically incorporated. By comparison with experimental data, weaknesses in the theoretical basis of RBS/ERD simulations become apparent. These will be discussed with emphasis on stopping powers, detector resolution, target setup and nuclear reaction cross-sections. The complete RBS/ERD software package can be downloaded from the web site: http://www.research.ibm.com/ionbeams. This package includes an installation manual and a full tutorial. © 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.