The measurement of cosmogenic radionuclides 10Be and 26Al by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) has become an invaluable tool for dating events and processes in Quaternary geochronology, and in archaeology and paleoanthropology. Here we present an overview of the current state of research by providing the theoretical and methodological background and describe processes of sample preparation and measurement by AMS. We also summarize the main geochronology calculation models for exposure and burial dating for the above applications and analysis of extra-terrestrial materials.
The first accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) laboratory in the Czech Republic has been established and put into routine operation in February 2022. Here we briefly describe the facilities available, namely a 300 kV multi-isotope low-energy AMS system (MILEA) capable of determination 10Be, 14C, 26Al, 41Ca, 129I, isotopes of U, especially 236U, Pu and other actinoids, and accessories for 14C measurements, which include a gas interface system, a preparative gas chromatography system for compound-specific radiocarbon dating analysis, and an isotope-ratio mass spectrometer. The first results achieved for separation and measurement of the above radionuclides (except for 41Ca) are also reported, with the main focus on 14C measurements. A specimen breakdown of 729 graphitised samples analysed for 14C so far is presented, as well as a proof of measurement stability of the MILEA system obtained by analysis of radiocarbon standards and analytical blanks. For the other radionuclides, well proven or novel procedures for sample preparation and measurement are presented.
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