Applications of a Nuclear Technique for Depth-Sensitive Hydrogen Analysis: Trapped H in Lunar Samples and the Hydration of Terrestrial Obsidian

Author: Leich, Douglas Albert

Year: 1974

Degree: Dissertation (Ph.D.)

Advisor: Tombrello, Thomas A.

Committee Member: Unknown, Unknown

Option: Physics

DOI: 10.7907/BVB9-FJ36

Abstract

The resonant nuclear reaction ¹⁹F(p,αy)¹⁶O has been used to perform depth-sensitive analyses for both fluorine and hydrogen in solid samples. The resonance at 0.83 MeV (center-of-mass) in this reaction has been applied to the measurement of the distribution of trapped solar protons in lunar samples to depths of ~1/2µm. These results are interpreted in terms of a redistribution of the implanted H which has been influenced by heavy radiation damage in the surface region. Fluorine determinations have been performed in a 1-µm surface layer on lunar and meteoritic samples using the same ¹⁹F(p,αy)¹⁶O resonance. The measurement of H depth distributions has also been used to study the hydration of terrestrial obsidian, a phenomenon of considerable archaeological interest as a means of dating obsidian artifacts. Additional applications of this type of technique are also discussed.

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