Proton Energy Loss (PEL) material characterization

Proton Energy Loss (PEL), has proven to be a valuable method of material characterization. Unlike x-ray methods which are sensitive almost exclusively to the high Z elements of a material, PEL provides information on all elements. With the current system we are capable of gathering a 2-D mapping of areal density or a tomographic slice through a material. Multiple slices can be combined to form a full three-dimensional rendered image of the object. We have used the PEL system to characterize materials and to study machining and assembly techniques. 4 refs., 6 figs.