A Low-Cost Miniature Counter System for Radiocarbon Dating

Abstract

Despite the great potential of the AMS technique for 14C dating of milligram samples, the use of multiple miniature counter systenis is still promising. Investment costs are relatively low and long-term financing of age determinations can be held within bounds. We have developed a 14C dating systeni containing 10 miniature counters for $30,000, whereas commercial systems usually cost more than $150,000. Counting is not quite as good as that of the technically more sophisticated commercial systems, but the disadvantage for routine work is not significant. CO2 preparation and purification take less than 30 minutes of active work including measurement and data evaluation. The cost of one age determination on a 22mg sample is about $35.00.