Practical Application of PALS in Japan (Sub-Nanometer Material Evaluation)

Author:  Toyoseiko Co., Ltd. - Yoshihiro Watanabe, Mitsuru Handa, Kanehisa Hattori & National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) - Masato Yamawaki
Source:  The Shot Peener magazine, Vol 39, Issue 4, Fall 2025
Doc ID:  2025023
Year of Publication:  2025
Abstract:  
1. Introduction Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS) is a technique that can evaluate atomic-level defects and intermolecular space and pore structures with nondestructive and high sensitivity. PALS is used to evaluate the free volume void size of polymer materials and the degree of fatigue accumulation in the early stages of metal fatigue, and in recent years, material evaluation using PALS has been actively conducted. Since 2010, Toyo Seiko has been working with the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) to develop a positron lifetime measurement device (PSA) for industrial use. Today, this device has been improved to the point where positron lifetime values can be obtained without requiring specialized knowledge or skills, and it has begun to be used in general industry as well. This article introduces PSA developed by Toyo Seiko and AIST.