³⁶Cl accelerator mass spectrometry with a bespoke instrument

Wilcken, K.M., Freeman, S.P.H.T. , Schnabel, C., Binnie, S.A., Xu, S. and Phillips, R. (2013) ³⁶Cl accelerator mass spectrometry with a bespoke instrument. Nuclear Instruments and Methods in Physics Research Section B: Beam Interactions with Materials and Atoms, 294, pp. 107-114. (doi: 10.1016/j.nimb.2012.04.027)

Abstract

Cosmogenic ³⁶Cl analysis by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a valuable environmental and geological sciences research tool. Overcoming the stable nuclide ³⁶S isobar interfering with measurement is challenging, however. Traditionally this has required large accelerators, but following recent technical advances it is now possible with "3C30 MeV ion energies. Consequently 5 MV or even smaller modern bespoke spectrometers are now ³⁶Cl-capable, increasing accessibility and promoting wider and more varied 36Cl use. However, the technical ability to identify ³⁶Cl ions is quite distinct from demonstrated high-performance AMS. Such is the theme of this paper. We present a systematic analysis of the accurate measurement of sample radioisotope relative to the stable chlorine, the normalisation of the measured ratio and correction for remaining ³⁶S interference, all combined with the use of stable-isotope dilution to determine sample Cl concentration to begin with. We conclude by showing that repeated analyses support our claims for routine 3% ³⁶Cl-AMS data. Accordingly, the modest SUERC spectrometer well competes with the performance of larger longer-established instruments, and the results may be quite generic for modern bespoke instruments.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Schnabel, Dr Christoph and Wilcken, Mr Klaus and Xu, Dr Sheng and Freeman, Professor Stewart
• Authors: Wilcken, K.M., Freeman, S.P.H.T., Schnabel, C., Binnie, S.A., Xu, S., and Phillips, R.
• 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
• ISSN: 0168-583X
• Published Online: 06 May 2012