Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry

RBS is most commonly used non-destructive nuclear method for elemental depth analysis of nm-to-mm thick films. It involves measurement of the number and energy distribution of energetic ions (usually MeV light ions such He⁺) backscattered from atoms within the near-surface region of solid targets. From such measurement it is possible to determine, with some limitations, both the atomic mass and concentration of elemental target constituents as a function of depth below the surface.

Theory of RBS

Sample is irradiated with light ions (usually 2-3 MeV α-particles or protons) and the elastically backscattered projectiles at large angles are detected. The mass of the target atoms could be identified from the energy of the backscattered projectile.

The backscattered particles are detected by the semiconductor detectors Si(Au), the accessible depth 2-10 mm. The heavy element detection limit in the light matrix is up to 1mg/g. The lower mass causes higher transferred energy. The mass resolution is given by detector energy resolution, the energy and projectile mass. The ussage of heavier ions enables us to reach the mass resolution DM<2.

The Rutherford differential cross-section is described by following equation (1911):

dσ/dΩ - differential cross-section of solid angle unit, characterize an elastic scattering;
Z₁e, Z₂e - electric charge of particles;
E - collision energy;
Θ - backscattering angle

ΔE - the energy difference observed for ions scattered from the surface and from depth x;
E₀, E₁ - incident and exit energies;
ε - is a stopping cross section factor.