Development of a spectroscopic mapping system for simultaneous analysis of biological functions and trace elements using ion microbeams

In order to investigate the correlation between biological functions and trace elements, we have developed a spectroscopic mapping system for ion beam induced fluorescence (IBIF) analysis using a spectrometer and a CCD-based spectrometer and a photon counting type spectrometer based on a multi-pixel photon counter (MPPC) array. Biological functions and trace elements are closely related. To study this relationship, biological functions and trace elements must be mapped to the same positional coordinates. Our new IBIF analysis system, developed at the Dynamitron Laboratory of Tohoku University, has a high-speed capability of detection of IBIF by the fast response of the MPPC and a better signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of imaging capability by the detection of fluorescence induced by the proton microprobe. As an evaluation trial, the IBIF analysis of the phosphor of cathode ray tube TV samples was performed. It was shown that spectral mapping is possible with the developed system.