An Excel utility for the rapid characterization of funny filters in PIXE analysis

Abstract “Funny filters”, i.e. compound absorbers with an aperture in one layer, provide an effective means of recording both trace and major element X-ray lines in a single PIXE spectrum. However, the characterization of funny filters has some pitfalls. An Excel utility has been developed to characterize the physical parameters of the filter on the assumption of a constant H-value for the PIXE system. Its application is illustrated using data taken independently at two laboratories.