DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF A 57Fe MÖSSBAUER SPECTROMETER FOR STUDIES IN SURFACE PHYSICS

Abstract

In this work we describe the design and construction of a Mössbauer spectrometer based in the use of a Channel Electron Multiplier to detect the electrons emitted as a consequence of the resonant nuclear absorption of γ-Rays by 57Fe containing samples. The main resonant signals being detected are the Fe(K), Fe(L) and Fe(M) conversion electrons as well as the Fe(KLM), Fe(KLL) and Fe(LMM) Auger electrons. The design is compact since all the components of the spectrometer are mounted into a single flange, so it can be easily installed in any conventional vacuum chamber dedicated to the study of surfaces. Its performance was tested by acquiring Mössbauer spectra from a pure iron metal sheet and from an iron metal thin film deposited onto a stainless steel plate.