Bronzes SIMS analysis

In general, the SIMS experiment does not require special sample treatments before the analysis. Sometime samples are analyzed as received after simple cleaning procedures. However, when the distribution of corrosion products along the bronze patina layer is going to be investigated, the sectioning of the sample and the polishing of its surface are required before the SIMS analysis. 

After cleaning with acetone, the surface of the sample obtained after the longitudinal sectioning of the bronze bracelet must be polished in order to obtain a flat surface required for SIMS analysis. 

The polished sample is removed from the encapsulating resin, cleaned according to the previously described procedures, and properly fixed onto the SIMS sample holder. Although different SIMS-compatible epoxy resins are available, the introduction of the resin encapsulated bronze sample into the SIMS analysis chamber is preferentially avoided due to the prolonged outgas-sing in the vacuum chamber required. 

The SIMS holder with the bronze sample is positioned in the introduction chamber that is in contact with the outside environment and pumped to medium vacuum (10 -10 Torr). After the introduction chamber is at the required preliminary vacuum, the sample is introduced into the analysis chamber in which an ultrahigh vacuum (10 -10 Torr) environment exists. Typically, 8- to 12-h pumping is necessary to establish the ultrahigh vacuum conditions after the sample introduction. 

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