In-air ion beam analysis with high spatial resolution proton microbeam

TL;DR

This study explores increasing proton beam energy to achieve micrometer spatial resolution in air for ion beam analysis, demonstrating the potential for high-resolution in-air microbeams in detector testing.

Contribution

It investigates the use of high-energy proton microbeams (2-6 MeV) in air to maintain high spatial resolution, combining experimental measurements with simulations to optimize conditions.

Findings

Achieved 1 micrometer spatial resolution in air using proton energies of 2-6 MeV.

Validated experimental results with SRIM simulations and scattering models.

Demonstrated applicability for testing large detectors in nuclear and high energy physics.

Abstract

One of the possible ways to maintain the micrometer spatial resolution while performing ion beam analysis in the air is to increase the energy of ions. In order to explore capabilities and limitations of this approach, we have tested a range of proton beam energies (2 - 6 MeV) using in-air STIM (Scanning Ion Transmission Microscopy) setup. Measurements of the spatial resolution dependence on proton energy have been compared with SRIM simulation and modelling of proton multiple scattering by different approaches. Results were used to select experimental conditions in which 1 micrometer spatial resolution could be obtained. High resolution in-air microbeam could be applied for IBIC (Ion Beam Induced Charge) tests of large detectors used in nuclear and high energy physics that otherwise can not be tested in relatively small microbeam vacuum chambers.