An optimization of PIXE procedure for high-Z species in a lower Z matrix

Singly charged helium (4He+) induced PIXE technique was used for the elemental analysis of tin mining tailings. The procedure gave very good results especially when a correction was implemented for X-ray absorption in the low-Z   region of the spectrum. The use of helium ions to induce X-ray emission was found to be adequate, especially in the case of the intermediate light elements (12