The experimental setup for non-destructive elemental analysis using the Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) method at the 3-MV tandem accelerator at VERA (Vienna Environmental Research Accelerator) has been used for the elemental analysis of the setup materials in the kaonic atom X-ray experiments at SIDDHARTA (LNF), E570 (KEK) and E17 (J-PARC). These experiments will measure the kaonic atom X-rays in the energy region of 6-8 keV. In this region, commonly used materials in experimental apparatus, such as Fe and Cu, produce fluorescence X-rays. Thus, material selection with a small contamination of such elements is a key point for the success of the kaonic X-ray measurements.

The materials used in the SIDDHARTA experiment were carefully selected with the PIXE measurements at VERA, including support materials of the SDD chips, wiring lines, as well as X-ray detection area of SDDs. The SIDDHATRA experiment was started on April 2008, and the kaonic atom nitrogen and helium X-ray lines were clearly observed as reported in this annual report without problems of contamination of the commonly used materials. This PIXE project brought the success of the .SIDDHARTA experiment.

Using the PIXE setup at VERA, test measurements of new X-ray/gamma-ray detectors can be performed, as well as new elemental analysis, and the PIXE measurements encourages further developments of the new detectors.