Looking for partnership in research projects on applications of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) in societal and environmental studies

Short summary Joined laboratory of the Czech research institutes and the Czech technical university equipped with cutting-edge low-energy AMS seeks for partnership in research projects on applications of ultra-trace isotopes detection techniques in societal and environmental studies. The applications may include but are not limited to radiocarbon (14C), 10Be and 26Al detection. Research institutes, universities, museums as well as industry may qualify as potential partners.

Full description Following a long-term national collaboration, the joined laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Archeological Institutes of the Czech Academy of Sciences and Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering of Czech Technical University in Prague has recently been equipped with MILEA low-energy AMS system, manufactured by Ionplus AG in cooperation with ETH Zurich. Belonging to the most advanced generation of AMS, MILEA enables one to detect isotopes 14C, 10Be, 26Al, 129I, 233U or 236U at ultra-trace levels with unprecedented precision relevant for numerous applications in societal and environmental studies. In addition to this world-class AMS system, the laboratory possesses long-term experience in radiocarbon dating (www.ujf.cas.cz/en/crl), processing samples ranging from wood, ivory, bones, and other organic material. The lab capabilities also include advanced statistical tools and modelling techniques for data analysis and interpretation. The applications may include but are not limited to 14C dating in archaeology or 10Be and 26Al dating in geology. Research institutes, universities, museums as well as industry may qualify as potential partners.

Advantages and innovations Though younger than conventional radioactive decay counting techniques, AMS is a well-established technique, with steadily growing use. MILEA shifts its limits to values and precision hardly achievable with previous systems. For instance, typical uncertainty of radiocarbon dating for medieval samples is reduced to 15 years. Enabling to date samples containing a few milligrams of carbon only, the method is virtually non-invasive, with obvious benefits for dating historical or artistic artifacts. In addition to technical AMS development, considerable improvement can be expected from using advanced statistical methods and modelling tools.
Contact / source: NEXT EEN Widgets (europa.eu)