scholarly journals Status Report on Sample Preparation Protocols Developed at the LMC14 Laboratory, Saclay, France: From Sample Collection to 14C AMS Measurement

Radiocarbon ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 713-726 ◽  
Author(s):  
J-P Dumoulin ◽  
C Comby-Zerbino ◽  
E Delqué-Količ ◽  
C Moreau ◽  
I Caffy ◽  
...  

AbstractThe main objective of this report is to present the dating process routinely applied to different types of samples at the Laboratoire de Mesure du Carbone 14 (LMC14). All the results and protocols refer to our procedures over the last 5 years. A description of the sorting and chemical pretreatments of the samples as well as the extraction and graphitization of CO2 are reported. Our last study concerning the degradation of the blank level according to the storage time of the targets between graphitization and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) measurement is also presented. This article also provides information on how to submit a valid laboratory sample. We give details relating to sampling procedures on site as well as contamination issues relative to the 14C dating methodology.

Radiocarbon ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (5) ◽  
pp. 1541-1550 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy D J Knowles ◽  
Paul S Monaghan ◽  
Richard P Evershed

ABSTRACTThe Bristol Radiocarbon Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (BRAMS) Facility was established at the University of Bristol after the commissioning of our dedicated sample preparation laboratories and the installation and acceptance of the BrisMICADAS AMS in 2016. Routine measurements commenced in mid-2016, once validation was completed for each sample type. Herein, we give an overview of the standard pretreatment methods currently employed in the Facility and the results of radiocarbon (14C) determinations on a wide range of standards, blank materials, and intercomparison samples which have been measured during our extensive pretreatment method validation program and during our routine 14C analyses.


Radiocarbon ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 255-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
G M Santos ◽  
R B Moore ◽  
J R Southon ◽  
S Griffin ◽  
E Hinger ◽  
...  

We present an overview of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon sample preparation and measurements, describing the technical upgrades that now allow us to routinely obtain 0.2–0.3% precision for 1-mg carbon samples. A precision of ∼1% on samples with 100 μg of carbon can also be achieved. We have also developed graphitization techniques and AMS procedures for ultra-small samples (down to 0.002 mg of carbon). Detailed time series are presented for large and small aliquots of standards such as NIST OX-I and OX-II; FIRI-C and -D; IAEA-C6, -C7 and -C8; and 14C-free samples.


Radiocarbon ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 1963-1972 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Seiler ◽  
Pieter M Grootes ◽  
John Haarsaker ◽  
Sylvie Lélu ◽  
Izabela Rzadeczka-Juga ◽  
...  

ABSTRACTThe Trondheim radiocarbon (14C) laboratory has evolved from a traditional radiocarbon decay counting laboratory to an accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) facility primarily measuring 14C. This evolution required adjustments in sample preparation and data handling to match the capacity of the AMS system and reduction in sample sizes to about 1 mgC. We summarize here the steps involved in dating a sample at the National Laboratory for Age Determination in Trondheim, Norway. These include the structure of our sample database for information handling, sample cleaning procedures for different sample types, our reduction systems, both an automated EA-based system for regular use and a manual system for more challenging samples, and data evaluation. We will also briefly summarize the capabilities of our isotope-ratio mass spectrometer.


Radiocarbon ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Corina Solís ◽  
Efraín Chávez ◽  
Arcadio Huerta ◽  
María Esther Ortiz ◽  
Alberto Alcántara ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Augusto Moreno is credited with establishing the first radiocarbon (14C) laboratory in Mexico in the 1950s, however, 14C measurement with the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) technique was not achieved in our country until 2003. Douglas Donahue from the University of Arizona, a pioneer in using AMS for 14C dating, participated in that experiment; then, the idea of establishing a 14C AMS laboratory evolved into a feasible project. This was finally reached in 2013, thanks to the technological developments in AMS and sample preparation with automated equipment, and the backing and support of the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the National Council for Science and Technology. The Mexican AMS Laboratory, LEMA, with a compact 1 MV system from High Voltage Engineering Europa, and its sample preparation laboratories with IonPlus automated graphitization equipment, is now a reality.


Radiocarbon ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 225-232 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabella Passariello ◽  
Fabio Marzaioli ◽  
Carmine Lubritto ◽  
Mauro Rubino ◽  
Antonio D'Onofrio ◽  
...  

A system with several lines for the preparation of graphite targets for radiocarbon analysis has been built at the new accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) facility in Caserta, Italy. Special attention has been paid in the design to the reduction of background contamination during sample preparation. Here, we describe the main characteristics of these preparation lines. Results of tests performed to measure 14C background levels and isotope fractionation in several blank samples with the Caserta AMS system are presented and discussed.


Radiocarbon ◽  
1999 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
pp. 315-320 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise C Gomes ◽  
Oscar Vega

We describe a new methodology for separating organic temper from archaeological ceramics from Brazilian Amazonia. These experimental procedures were designed to directly date ceramic samples by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). An evaluation of the total carbon indicates the samples’ potential for dating.


Radiocarbon ◽  
1995 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 663-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudio Tuniz ◽  
David Fink ◽  
Michael Hotchkis ◽  
Geraldine Jacobsen ◽  
Ewan Lawson ◽  
...  

The ANTARES accelerator mass spectrometry facility at Lucas Heights Research Laboratory is operational and AMS measurements of 14C, 26Al and 36Cl are being carried out routinely. Measurement of 129I recently commenced and capabilities for other long-lived radioisotopes such as 10Be are being established. The overall aim of the facility is to develop advanced programs in Quaternary science, global climate change, biomedicine and nuclear safeguards.


2008 ◽  
Vol 54 (3) ◽  
pp. 590-593 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bingfang Yue ◽  
Elizabeth Pattison ◽  
William L Roberts ◽  
Alan L Rockwood ◽  
Oliver Danne ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Choline is critical for a variety of biological functions and has been investigated as a biomarker for various pathological conditions including acute coronary syndrome. Methods: A liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was used to quantify choline in whole blood and plasma in freshly collected samples prepared with ultrafiltration or protein precipitation. We investigated the effects of preanalytical variables including types of anticoagulants and storage temperature and time. Results: We observed no significant differences in whole-blood choline concentration in EDTA-anticoagulated vs heparin-anticoagulated samples: mean (SD) difference 0.9% (3.2%), P = 0.80. For plasma, choline concentrations with heparin in 5 of 12 volunteers were >10% higher than with EDTA, P = 0.01. One freeze-thaw cycle led to significant mean (SD) increases in choline concentrations in heparin whole blood, 19.3% (11.4%), P <0.01, and the effect was not significant for other sample types studied (P >0.33). For freshly collected samples stored at ambient temperature, choline concentrations in all types of samples increased with storage time. For EDTA whole blood, EDTA plasma, and heparin plasma, the choline concentration increased for the first 60 min and then stabilized. For heparin whole blood, the choline concentration continued to increase linearly with storage time for >4 h, at which time the choline concentrations were increased by approximately 50%. Conclusions: Sample collection, storage, and sample preparation procedures are critical for clinical measurements of choline in whole blood and plasma.


Radiocarbon ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 52 (2) ◽  
pp. 301-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert K Beverly ◽  
Will Beaumont ◽  
Denis Tauz ◽  
Kaelyn M Ormsby ◽  
Karl F von Reden ◽  
...  

We present a status report of the accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) facility at the University of California, Irvine, USA. Recent spectrometer upgrades and repairs are discussed. Modifications to preparation laboratory procedures designed to improve sample throughput efficiency while maintaining precision of 2–3‰ for 1-mg samples (Santos et al. 2007c) are presented.


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