3D quantitative elemental mapping using simultaneous proton induced X-ray emission tomography and scanning transmission ion microscopy tomography

A technique has been implemented that could produce sub-micron resolution quantitative elemental mapping of cells in an acceptable time frame. A new experimental set-up was installed to produce 3D quantitative elemental maps of biological samples by combining simultaneous proton induced X-ray emission tomography (PIXE-T), on/off-axis scanning transmission ion microscopy tomography (STIM-T) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). Combined with a high efficiency Si(Li) detector, 3D quantitative maps of Cl, S, Ca, K, Fe and Zn in a section of a hair were produced with an analytical time of 3 h.