Ionisointikross

Ionisointikross, also known by its English term isotope cross or isotope pattern, is a representation used primarily in analytical chemistry and physics to display the distribution of isotope abundances for a given element or molecular species. The diagram consists of a cross-shaped grid in which the horizontal axis lists the mass numbers of the isotopes and the vertical axis indicates the relative natural abundance or intensity for each isotope. Each intersection point corresponds to a specific isotope, often marked by a small dot or fill whose size or darkness reflects the relative abundance.

This visual tool is particularly useful in mass spectrometry, where the isotope distribution can be used to confirm the identity of a compound or to detect isotopic enrichment. By comparing the measured isotope pattern against theoretical or reference patterns, analysts can deduce the presence of contaminant isotopes or assess the fidelity of compound synthesis. The cross format facilitates quick comparison between observed data and predicted patterns, as the grid permits overlaying or juxtaposing multiple isotope envelopes.

In nuclear physics, a similar isotopic cross is employed to illustrate the relative probability of different nuclear reactions or to map out also called Krivine or Mendeleev cross in the context of nuclear reactions. The data displayed often includes reaction cross sections as a function of incident particle energy, allowing physicists to evaluate reaction mechanisms.

Overall, ionisointikross serves as a concise graphical summary that enhances the interpretation of isotopic information across fields such as analytical chemistry, radiochemistry, and nuclear physics.