14C-AMS at the Leibniz-Labor:: radiometric dating and isotope research

The Leibniz-Labor was founded to provide radiometric dating services using AMS and measured over 15000 samples and 26 800 targets up to September 2002. Research and development have primarily been directed at improving the efficiency and reliability of AMS measurements, optimising existing sample preparation procedures for AMS and developing new ones. The standard chemical pre-treatment of organic radiocarbon samples produces often two fractions: one from which contaminants have been removed, and one in which they have been enriched. Dating both fractions reveals the degree of sample contamination. This provides a useful indication of the reliability of the sample age obtained and of the environmental conditions where the sample was taken. Upgrades to reduce maintenance include replacing four cryo- by turbo pumps, installing a deionizer loop, which keeps conductivity between 100 and 150 muS/cm to control corrosion, in the closed cooling water circuit, and developing a new sample wheel, which holds target holders with a groove and spring clip. Long term stability is demonstrated by the results obtained for IAEA reference materials, measured routinely and regularly over the years. Tests made as part of the FIRI project demonstrate that reliable measurements down to <0.1 mg C can be made. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.