A new method for trace element analysis using the electron cyclotron resonance ion source and heavy-ion linac

We have measured the contamination in an Al2O3 rod and the elemental compos ition in cinnabar (Tenjinyama ancient tomb) by using the electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) and the RIKEN linear accelerator (RILAC) comp lex. Elements of mass smaller than 100, such as V-50, Mn-55 and As-75, Were mainly searched for using this system. The ionization chamber and the Si d etector were used for atomic number assignment. The production of positive ions in the ECRIS is not influenced by ionization selectivity. In the measu rement of elements, spectroscopic interference with molecules does not exis t due to complete ionization in the resonance zone of high temperature by t he ECR plasma. The development and establishment of these systems will play an important role in trace element analysis. We developed this system for practical use and also considered other possibilities for these devices. (C ) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.