Depth-Sensitive Analysis of Fluorine on Lunar Sample Surfaces and in Carbonaceous Chondrites by a Nuclear Resonant Reaction Technique

Author: Goldberg, Richard Henry

Year: 1976

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Tombrello, Thomas A.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/A94H-WX18

Abstract

The nuclear resonant reaction 19F(ρ,αγ)16O has been used to perform depth-sensitive analyses of fluorine in lunar samples and carbonaceous chondrites. The resonance at 0.83 MeV (center-of-mass) in this reaction is utilized to study fluorine surface films, with particular interest paid to the outer micron of Apollo 15 green glass, Apollo 17 orange glass, and lunar vesicular basalts. These results are distinguished from terrestrial contamination, and are discussed in terms of a volcanic origin for the samples of interest. Measurements of fluorine in carbonaceous chondrites are used to better define the solar system fluorine abundance. A technique for measurement of carbon on solid surfaces with applications to direct quantitative analysis of implanted solar wind carbon in lunar samples is described.

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