The Performance of PIXE Technique through a Geochemical Analysis of High Grade Rocks

Abstract

It has been an argument that some of the elements present in geological material by using PIXE analysis are purely determined or could not be determined at all, due to various reasons including the matrix. It is felt that a systematic investigation needs to be designed and implemented to understand the limitation of PIXE in certain elements. The high-grade rocks selected are analyzed both by PIXE as well as AAS and the results are authenticated by using a USGS reference material, Basalt, studies of literature. It is believed that the accuracy of problematic elements, especially from high grade rock can be improved and the conditions of PIXE can be standardized for various elements under different combinations. The reasons behind the poor performance of Proton Induced X- ray Emission in case of certain elements have been established.