Element distributions and quantitative analysis of a single cell by micro-PIXE and synchrotron radiation XRF

The composition concentration and distribution of elements in a cell are very important for the research of normal biological functions and diseases. Up to now little research has been performed because of the lack of appropriate instruments. The scanning proton microprobe (SPM) is able to provide high spatial resolution, so we can get position information from samples. Synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF) has a high sensitivity and causes much less damage to the sample. We have tried to use the advantages of both techniques to solve the above problems. This paper reports the feasibility of experimental methods and specimen preparations. (orig.)