Open AccessPushing the size limits of radiocarbon analysis
Author(s) -
Smittenberg Rienk H.,
Bernasconi Stefano M.,
Szidat Soenke
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
eos, transactions american geophysical union
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.316
H-Index - 86
eISSN - 2324-9250
pISSN - 0096-3941
DOI - 10.1029/2012eo070012
Subject(s) - radiocarbon dating , accelerator mass spectrometry , sample (material) , downscaling , environmental science , carbon fibers , carbon cycle , scale (ratio) , earth science , archaeology , computer science , chemistry , geology , geography , climate change , oceanography , cartography , chromatography , ecology , algorithm , ecosystem , composite number , biology
An International Workshop on Small‐Scale Radiocarbon Analysis; Zurich, Switzerland, 13–16 September 2011 Besides being an important dating tool, radiocarbon ( 14 C) analysis is also used increasingly in carbon cycle studies and environmental sciences. New developments in accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and sample introduction methods have allowed the downscaling of required sample sizes to a few micrograms of pure carbon. Modern techniques also make it possible to separate individual organic compounds for radiocarbon measurement, which allows targeting very specific sources of carbon out of mixed and complex matrices. These developments have created new opportunities for the use of 14 C in scientific fields where its application had previously been limited by sample size. However, this has also presented new challenges with respect to sample preparation and assessment of uncertainties caused by contamination and instrumental background.