Heavy ion PIXE cross sections in Ti, Zn, Nb, Ru and Ta for 4.8–30.0 MeV oxygen and 3.0–12.0 MeV lithium beams

Heavy ion Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) spectroscopy offers a number of advantages over standard proton PIXE, such as higher yields and therefore higher sensitivity. However, in order to be able to use heavy ion PIXE more detailed measurements of the ionisation and X-ray cross sections for heavy ions are required. This issue was recognised by one of the Coordinated Research Projects (CRP) of the IAEA on MeV Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). ANSTO took part in this CRP and we measured X-ray production cross sections on a range of samples for oxygen and lithium beam in the energy range of 4.8–30 MeV and 3–12 MeV, respectively. Here we report on these X-ray production cross section measurements and compare the results with theoretical models. Further energy shifts of the characteristic X-ray lines for the different ion-target combinations are presented and discussed.