Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) is an analytical technique used to analyze the composition of solid surfaces and thin films. It works by bombarding a sample with a focused primary ion beam, which causes the ejection of secondary ions from the surface. These secondary ions are then collected and analyzed based on their mass-to-charge ratio, providing detailed information about the elemental and isotopic composition of the sample.
SIMS is widely used in various fields, including materials science, geology, and biomedicine. It allows for high spatial resolution and sensitivity, making it ideal for studying complex materials and interfaces. The technique can also provide depth profiling, revealing how the composition changes with depth in layered structures.