Installation history of Aomori prefecture quantum science center equipped with the 20 MeV proton particle-induced X-ray emission analysis system and the current status of this system

Since 2000, the Department of Quantum Science and Energy Engineering, Tohoku University, has academically supported the establishment of a nuclear science research facility in Aomori Prefecture. The facility contains multipurpose accelerators useful in various fields. After much effort, the Aomori Prefecture Quantum Science Centre was established in Rokkasho Village, Aomori Prefecture, in 2017. At this facility, positron emission tomography, basic research concerning Boron Neutron-Capture Therapy (BNCT), non-destructive neutron testing, and particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis are conducted using a 20[Formula: see text]MeV cyclotron. The sensitivity of PIXE analysis is less than 1 ppm although the proton energy is 20[Formula: see text]MeV. We developed a method that stably supplies a beam of very weak intensity, rendering PIXE analysis possible. Currently, the facility is used by universities and research institutes in Aomori Prefecture, as well as agriculture departments, fisheries departments, and commercial companies. PIXE is used to analyze trace elements in various samples. When a metal serves as the target, characteristic X-rays are generated at high intensity and can serve as a monochromatic X-ray source. We obtained X-ray transmission images of the resin electrical board using the Ta K–X-rays as a point source, demonstrating very good contrast. We are thus currently promoting the use of monochromatic X-ray images.