scholarly journals Status report of the Trondheim Radiocarbon Laboratory

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 ◽  
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 ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 43 (2A) ◽  
pp. 293-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
A T Aerts-Bijma ◽  
J van der Plicht ◽  
H A J Meijer

In Groningen, all organic samples for accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) are combusted in an automatic Elemental Analyzer, coupled to an Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and Cryogenic Trapping System. The Gas Chromatographic (GC) column, part of the Elemental Analyzer system, appeared to be the main cause for memory effects. Therefore we modified the Elemental Analyzer, such that the trapped CO2 no longer passed the GC column. Our system modification reduced the memory effect significantly, as shown by lower radiocarbon concentration values for anthracite backgrounds, and a much smaller spread in these values. Our modified system can perform up to 40 combustions unattended in about 6 hr.


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 ◽  
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.


Radiocarbon ◽  
1990 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 135-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
D J Donahue ◽  
T W Linick ◽  
A J T Jull

We present here the method we use to convert to radiocarbon ages (14C/13C) ratios measured in the Arizona Accelerator Mass Spectrometer facility. We describe the procedures we use to convert sample and standard isotope ratios to values appropriate for calculation of radiocarbon ages. We also discuss, in some detail, corrections to account for sample contamination.


Radiocarbon ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 873-881 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Oinonen ◽  
G Haggren ◽  
A Kaskela ◽  
M Lavento ◽  
V Palonen ◽  
...  

The iron dating project Aikarauta has been launched in Finland. This paper presents the results of the preliminary investigations. The ability for radiocarbon measurement by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) of iron in Finland has been demonstrated by using coal-produced iron as reference material. An elemental analyzer has been harnessed to measure the carbon content of small iron samples. In addition, we have hypothesized that a fingerprint of the limestone usage in the smelting process is the high Ca content of iron and slag. This has been examined by performing an iron smelting experiment with limestone as flux, by making elemental analyses of ingredients and the resulting slag and iron, and by a 14C analysis of the produced iron. It is possible that limestone dilutes the 14C contents of the produced iron, making its age determination challenging.


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