International Topical Meeting on Nuclear Research Applications and Utilization of Accelerators
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AP/P2-07
Optimisation of Beam Optics in the Van de Graaff Accelerator Microbeam at iThemba LABS and its Results on the Biomedical Analysis M.E.M. Eisa1,2, C.A. Pineda-Vargas2,3, and J.L. Conradie4 1Sudan University of Science and Technology, Department of Physics, Khartoum, Sudan Corresponding Author: memeisa@yahoo.com To improve the beam quality and intensity of the Van de Graaff accelerator at iThemba LABS, it is
important to know the beam optics from the ion source. The ion source characteristics and optimal
operating conditions were determined on an ion source test bench. The results of microbeam
obtained with different computer codes are compared and discussed. The capabilities of the nuclear
microprobe facility were evaluated in the improved beamline, with particular emphasis to biomedical
samples such as human hair, kidney stones and teeth. As a result of these improvement
applications of PIGE, PIXE and RBS techniques performed and this showed significant sensitivity.
As well measurements carried out to compare elemental content and spatial distribution within
scalp hair-shaft cross sections of two distinct human population groups, and to assess possible
similarities and/or differences, hair samples from Sudan and South Africa were collected. Proton
backscattering and Micro-PIXE were used to determine the matrix composition and content of light
and middle transition elements. Mapping analysis showed a relatively similar content distribution
for S, Cl, K and Ca within each group. However significant differences, particularly for heavier
metals, such as Fe and Zn were also found. Correspondence Analysis of the data showed a clear
separation between the two groups when the total content over the hair cross section was considered. |
