Micro-analytical Techniques Based on Nuclear Spectrometry for Environmental Monitoring and Material Studies

Over the last years considerable progress has been observed in development and applications of micro-analytical techniques based on nuclear spectrometry. One of the major reasons for the developments has been the possibility to use new excitation sources such as synchrotron radiation facilities and low-power X-ray tubes combined with availability of X-ray optics and thermoelectrically cooled semiconductor detectors. Several groups involved in the new applications of nuclear spectrometry are developing integrated instruments and analytical methodologies based on nuclear spectrometry. As a result the quality of characterization of various materials improved considerably and new applications became possible in support of applied research, teaching and education in nuclear science and technology, industry, environmental pollution monitoring, food and agriculture, human health, study of cultural heritage, production of reference materials, forensic science etc. The CRP is focused on emerging new techniques and applications of nuclear spectrometry for characterization of materials for environmental monitoring and material studies including elemental analysis, 2D and 3D microscopy imaging and chemical speciation. It is expected that through the CRP the analytical performance of micro-analytical techniques will be improved, and modern instrumentation and analytical methodologies including standardised analytical procedures will be developed. The results of the proposed CRP can be used in small laboratories in the developing Member States as well as in state-of-the-art synchrotron radiation facilities available in the developed countries. The results can be transferred to other laboratories which will not contribute to the CRP directly.