BACKGROUND

Over the last years considerable progress has been observed in development and applications of microanalytical techniques based on nuclear spectrometry. One of the major reasons for the developments was the possibility to use new excitation sources such as synchrotron radiation facilities and low-power X-ray tubes combined with availability of X-ray optics and thermoelectrically cooled semiconductor detectors. Several groups involved in the new applications of nuclear spectrometry are developing integrated instruments and analytical methodologies based on nuclear spectrometry. As a result the quality of characterization of various materials improved considerably and new applications became possible in support of applied research, teaching and education in nuclear science and technology, industry, environmental pollution monitoring, food and agriculture, human health, study of cultural heritage etc. The following nuclear spectrometry techniques can be used for microanalysis: (i) X-ray fluorescence (XRF), (ii) total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) (iii) neutron activation analysis (NAA), (iv) ion beam analysis based on applications of low-energy particle accelerators (including particle X-ray emission – PIXE, particle induced gamma-ray emission – PIGE, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry – RBS), (v) extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES), (vi) fluorescent X-ray microtomography, etc. The techniques are usually used for elemental analysis, 2D and 3D imaging and chemical speciation.

The range of possible applications of microanalytical techniques is very wide and covers the following fields:

A Technical Meeting is planned to highlight, review and discuss issues related to the current status and trends in special configurations and new applications of microanalytical techniques based on nuclear spectrometry. It is considered beneficial to Member States to assess the capabilities, advantages and limitations of the techniques in order to encourage effective applications in support of scientific and technological development. Proposed subjects of discussion include:

OBJECTIVES

To review the current status, developments, trends and applications of microanalytical techniques based on nuclear spectrometry, and to produce a relevant report (proceedings).

PARTICIPATION

A person will be eligible to participate only if nominated by the Government of an IAEA Member State (Ministry of Foreign Affairs or National Atomic Energy Authority) or by an Organisation invited to participate. Nomination for participation should be received by the IAEA not later than 20 June 2008. The participant should be a developer and/or user of microanalytical techniques based on nuclear spectrometry. A contribution from the participant in the form of a short abstract covering his/her work relevant to the objectives of the meeting will be necessary for consideration for participation.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

As a general rule, the IAEA does not pay the costs for attendance to the meeting. However, limited funds may be made available to assist the attendance of selected participants and approved in accordance with the current Agency rules and regulations. Generally, not more than one financial grant will be awarded to any one Member State. If Governments wish to apply for financial support on behalf of their nominees, they should address specific requests to the IAEA Scientific Secretary.

MEETING FORMAT

To facilitate proceedings, participants are invited to contribute an oral presentation on subject relevant to the scope and objectives of this meeting. Participants should submit an abstract of their proposed presentation along with their nomination. The official language of the meeting is English. No interpretation will be provided. It is expected that the meeting will start at 9:00 on Monday 20 October and conclude by 16:00 on Friday 24 October.
The outputs of discussions will be recorded for possible dissemination to Member States as an IAEA technical publication. Contributors of material to be included in the Agency proceedings are required to assign all copyrights or rights to publish to the Agency. Please complete and sign the Form B and send it to the IAEA Scientific Secretary by post or email. The authors should ensure that material they make available for possible publication by the IAEA does not include copyrighted material or other impediments for reproduction.

LOCAL ARRANGEMENTS

It is the responsibility of all participants to make their own travel arrangements to/from Austria. Detailed information on accommodation, local transport to/from the meeting venue, and other organisational details, will be sent to all designated participants well in advance of the meeting.

VISA

Designated participants who require a visa to enter Austria should submit the necessary application to the nearest diplomatic or consular representative of Austria well in advance of entry. An official letter of invitation will be issued to all designated participants by the IAEA Scientific Secretary.

DEADLINES

IAEA SCIENTIFIC SECRETARY
Mr Andrzej Markowicz
IAEA Laboratories
Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications
International Atomic Energy Agency
Wagramer Strasse 5, P.O.Box 100
A-1400 Vienna, Austria
Tel: +431 2600 28236
Fax: +431 2600 28222
E-mail: A.Markowicz@iaea.org