Rutherford Scattering - Other Applications

Other Applications

The principle of scattering is now routinely used in Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy (RBS) to detect heavy elements in a lower atomic number matrix, like for example heavy metal impurities in semiconductors. In fact, the technique was also the first local analytical technique applied on the moon, as an alpha-scattering surface analysis instrument was operating just before the Surveyor 4 mission impacted the lunar surface. The same type of instrument was landed on the lunar surface for more leisurely period of data acquisition on Surveyors 5 through 7.