Status and Perspectives of a Forward Scattering Project for the Multielemental Analysis of Liquids

A project based on low mass multielemental analysis of liquid samples by using forward elastic scattering is under progress. Elastic cross section measurements for the reactions 13 MeV Li-6,Li-7 +A and 24 MeV O-16 +A, A being any nucleus lighter than Na, are necessary due to the existence of non-elastic processes. The non-Rutherford character of some of the reactions quoted above has been established from experiments carried out at 12.45degrees, 16.45degrees, 20.45degrees and 28.0degrees where A = Be, C, O and Si. The accuracy and precision of the measured cross sections have been tested. In the future, accurate cross section determinations will be required for lighter target elements such as B, Li and H. The dilution of a liquid sample improves the spectrum resolution. Efforts are currently concentrated on determining if the relative yields corresponding to various elements present in a given sample remain constant as dilution changes.