Differential cross-section measurements for the 12C(d, p0)13C reaction and applications to surface analysis of materials

This work involves surface analysis by nuclear techniques, which are non-destructive, and computer simulation. The “energy analysis” method for nuclear reaction analysis is used. Energy spectra are computer simulated and compared to experimental data, giving target composition and concentration profile information. Measured values are presented for the differential cross-section of the 12C(d, p0)13C reaction in the deuteron energy range 0.81–2.07 MeV for laboratory detection angles of 165° and 135°, using self-supported two-layered targets consisting of high purity thin films of typically 13 μg/cm2 natural carbon and 65 μg/cm2 gold. The error in the absolute differential cross-section values is generally ∼6%. The method, using these values, is successfully applied to determination of uniform concentration profiles of 12C, along considerable depths, for a thick flat target of high purity pyrolitic graphite. It is characterised a thin surface film of carbon on a thick flat quartz target. Uniform concentration profiles of 16O are also obtained from (d, p) and (d, α) reactions.