On the possibility of immediate analysis of chlorine and sulfur in air by argon ion induced X-ray emission

Inner shell ionization of elements ranging from Al to Ar by energetic Ar ions occurs with high efficiency as a consequence of electron promotion via quasi-molecular orbitals formed during the ion-atom collision. This allows the selective excitation of characteristic X-ray emission of these elements in various media and their detection at low concentrations. Particularly for the analysis of Cl and S in polluted atmospheres gas-target measurements of the cross sections for X-ray production by 0.5-6 MeV Ar ions have been performed. Optimal experimental conditions and sensitivity limits for the detection of these elements are deduced from the measurements. (orig.)