Enrichment of 14C and Sample Preparation for Beta and Ion Counting

Abstract

We here report on two technical research projects of the Quaternary Isotope Laboratory (QL) vis, (1) the use of thermal diffusion isotopic enrichment to extend the technical range of 14C dating, (2) the preparation of samples for ion counting using a Van de Graaff tandem accelerator. The second project is carried out in cooperation with, and partly at, the Nuclear Physics Laboratory. A gain in dating range of 3 to 4 half-lives can routinely be obtained with the QL and the Groningen enrichment systems. The same gain in age range can be obtained for ion counting with a simplified system that requires only 0.5 to 2g of carbon and 3 to 7 days enrichment time. A method to convert CO2 quantitatively via CO into carbon is described. For short intervals the carbon deposit yields good 12C— beams. We also give a different procedure to make graphite-like carbon samples. The preparation of beryllium metal samples is given last.