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1.1 This guide provides the SIMS analyst with a method for determining the width of interfaces from SIMS sputtering data obtained from analyses of layered specimens (both organic and inorganic). This guide does not apply to data obtained from analyses of specimens with thin markers or specimens without interfaces such as ion-implanted specimens.

1.2 This guide does not describe methods for the optimization of interface width or the optimization of depth resolution.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

5.1 Although it would be desirable to measure the extent of profile distortion in any unknown sample by using a standard sample and this guide, measurements of interface width (profile distortion) can be unique to every sample composition (1, 2).4 This guide, describes a method that determines the unique width of a particular interface for the chosen set of operating conditions. It is intended to provide a method for checking on proper or consistent, or both, instrument performance. Periodic analysis of the same sample followed by a measurement of the interface width, in accordance with this guide, will provide these checks.

5.2 The procedure described in this guide is adaptable to any layered sample with an interface between layers in which a nominated element is present in one layer and absent from the other. It has been shown that for SIMS in particular (3, 4) and for surface analysis in general (5, 6), only rigorous calibration methods can determine accurate interface widths. Such procedures are prohibitively time-consuming. Therefore the interface width measurement obtained using the procedure described in this guide may contain significant systematic error (7). Therefore, this measure of interface width may have no relation to similar measures made with other methods. However, this does not diminish its use as a check on proper or consistent instrument performance, or both.

5.3 This guide can be used for both elemental and molecular depth profiles, provided that the materials have constant sputter rates throughout the depth of the overlayer, and minimal interlayer mixing is occurring. For more detailed information regarding measurements of interface widths during organic depth profiling, please see Mahoney (8).