We are presently working to develop an TOF-ERD system to compliment our work with ARL on detecting hydrogen in ferroelectrics. PIXE is also used in numerous museums to test the authenticity of antiquities and works of art. A PIXE system is also being used to help in restoring the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. A nondestructive technique using either an x-ray tube, radioactive source or synchrotron source to analyze samples. This technique is very surface sensitive and useful for analyzing delicate or nonconducting samples in which beam charging effects may limit other techniques.
Previous research includes detecting failures in metal turbine blades and biological samples.
Previous research included the demonstration of the feasibility of detecting plastic explosives in luggage using gamma absorption and external magnetic fields. Accelerators have been essential to the development of our understanding of both the atom and the nucleus. Determining the probability that a single ion will interact with an atom in such a manner as to cause ionization of the atom followed by deexcitation by x-ray emission. This provides the means to improving our models of the atom as well as understanding the manner in which ions interact with matter. Application of these results have lead to PIXE and other characterization techniques as well as an understanding of the hazards of ionizing radiation.