Three-dimensional surface analysis of iron-based materials using synchrotron Mössbauer source

A novel three-dimensional surface analysis system for iron-based solid materials has been developed. This system is composed of a synchrotron Mössbauer source, an X-ray focusing device, a precision stage, a gas flow proportional counter for conversion electron measurements, and multiple multichannel scalers. The performance was evidenced by determining the spatial distribution of the iron oxide abundance on a laser-ablated iron foil surface. This system can be widely utilized as a powerful analytical tool in steel science for corrosion, welding, and laser surface modification.