Mesure de la masse superficielle d'un élément lourd consultant une cible mince, en présence d'éléments légers

Abstract Elastic scattering of α particles has been used to measure the quantity of a heavy element of given Z (⩾28) in a target the other components of which are light ( Z ⪅17). The α particles are emitted by 212 Po from a radioactive emanation source. Calibrations of the device can be made using a target of known thickness of any other heavy element. A precision of the order of ±10% can be reached.