Automated Particle Measurement Software for SIMS Instruments
SIMS screening via ion imaging using APM is the only method capable of determining the location and isotopic composition of sub-micron-sized particles within a matrix of complex composition.
Seamless integration with CAMECA SIMS instruments
The APM software is compatible with the IMS 1280/1280-HR and IMS 7f/6f instrument. Several laboratories have successfully implemented APM on their CAMECA ion microprobes and use it daily for uranium particle analysis in the context of nuclear safeguards. The Automated Particle Measurement software enhances both the throughput and the analytical capabilities of their SIMS instruments:
- APM performs rapid screening of the entire sample to locate particles of interest within a complex matrix;
- APM provides an estimate of the isotopic composition of each particle.
From nuclear safeguards to microbiology
Offering exceptional transmission and sensitivity, the CAMECA IMS 1300-HR3 is the instrument of choice for small particle analyses. It has been widely adopted by nuclear safeguards laboratories since SIMS screening combined with ion imaging is by far the most effective method for detecting uranium particles within a matrix of other materials. This screening can be immediately followed by precise and accurate microbeam measurements on individual particles.
The APM software can also be applied to cosmochemistry, environmental studies, cell biology and microbiology, or to any other application requiring the localization and isotopic composition of particles or regions at the micrometer to sub-micrometer scale.
For more information, please read the two following articles:
- Improved particle location and isotopic screening measurements of sub-micron sized particles by SIMS. P.M.L. Hedberg et. al in Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, on-line 26 nov 2010, DOI: 10.1039/c0ja00181c.
- 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.