Automated Particle Measurement Software for SIMS Instruments
SIMS screening with ion imaging using APM is the only method that can determine location and isotopic composition of sub-micron sized particles within a matrix of complex composition.
Perfect integration with CAMECA SIMS instruments
The APM software is compatible with the IMS 1280/1280-HR , NanoSIMS 50L and IMS 7f/6f-PC. Several laboratories have successfully implemented APM on their CAMECA ion probes, and are using it daily on Uranium particle analyses for nuclear safeguards purposes. APM improves both the throughput and the analytical capabilities of their SIMS tool:
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APM performs a fast screening over the whole sample in order to find the particles of interest in a matrix of complex composition,
- APM provides an estimate of the isotopic composition of the individual particles.
From nuclear safeguards to microbiology
Offering a unique sensitivity for small particle analysis, the CAMECA IMS 1280 / 1280-HR is the tool of choice for the isotopic analysis of Uranium particles (1) . It has been widely adopted by nuclear safeguard organizations. SIMS screening with ion imaging using APM by far the most efficient method for finding Uranium particles in a matrix of other material. The screening can be followed immediately by precise and accurate isotopic microebam measurements of individual particles using the same instrument.
APM can also be applied to cosmochemistry, environmental studies, cell & microbiology, or any application that requires capabilities for the location and isotopic measurement of micron to sub-micron sized particles/areas.
For more information, please request the APM Software application note, or read the recent article "Improved particle location and isotopic screening measurements of sub-micron sized particles by SIMS" by P.M.L. Hedberg et. al in Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, on-line 26 nov 2010, DOI: 10.1039/c0ja00181c.
(1) Improved isotopic SIMS measurements of uranium particles for nuclear safeguard purposes. Y.Ranebo, P.M.L.Hedberg, M.J.Whitehouse, K.Ingeneri and S.Littman. J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2009, 24, 277-287.