Rutherford backscattering (RBS)

Synonym: backscattering spectroscopy

Any technique using high energy particles directed toward a sample, in which the bombarding particles are detected and recorded as function of energy and/or angle. The technique is mostly used for determining depth distributions of elements based on the energy of the backscattered particle. In general, He+ or H+ particles are used at energies in the order of 100 keV to some MeV. Also referred to as backscattering spectrometry (BSS).
Source:
PAC, 1979, 51, 2243 (General aspects of trace analytical methods - IV. Recommendations for nomenclature, standard procedures and reporting of experimental data for surface analysis techniques) on page 2246