Single-stage accelerator mass spectrometer radiocarbon-interference identification and positive-ionisation characterisation

Wilcken, K.M., Freeman, S.P.H.T. , Xu, S. and Dougans, A. (2013) Single-stage accelerator mass spectrometer radiocarbon-interference identification and positive-ionisation characterisation. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 294, pp. 353-355. (doi: 10.1016/j.nimb.2012.03.034)

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Abstract

A single-stageaccelerator mass spectrometer (SSAMS) is a good alternative to conventional spectrometers based on tandem electrostatic acceleration for radiocarbon measurement and permits experimentation with both negative and positive carbon ions. However, such <sup>14</sup>C AMS of either polarity ions is limited by an interference. In the case of anion acceleration we have newly determined this to be summed <sup>13</sup>C and <sup>16</sup>O by improvising an additional Wien filter on our SSAMS deck. Also, <sup>14</sup>C AMS might be improved by removing its dependency on negative-ionisation in a sputter ion source. This requires negative-ionisation of sample atoms elsewhere to suppress the <sup>14</sup>N interference, which we accomplish by transmitting initially positive ions through a thin membrane. The ionisation dependence on ion-energy is found to be consistent with previous experimentation with vapours and thicker foils.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Dougans, Mr Andrew and Wilcken, Mr Klaus and Xu, Dr Sheng and Freeman, Professor Stewart
Authors: Wilcken, K.M., Freeman, S.P.H.T., Xu, S., and Dougans, A.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre
Journal Name:Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0168-583X
Published Online:15 May 2012

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