| Title | A Continuous-Flow Gas Chromatography C-14 Accelerator Mass Spectrometry System |
| Publication Type | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication | 2010 |
| Authors | McIntyre, CP, Galutschek, E, Roberts, ML, von Reden, KF, McNichol, AP, Jenkins, WJ |
| Journal | Radiocarbon |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pagination | 295-300 |
| Date Published | 2010 |
| ISBN Number | 0033-8222 |
| Keywords | ams system, gc-ams, negative-ion source, RADIOCARBON ANALYSIS |
| Abstract | Gas-accepting ion sources for radiocarbon accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) have permitted the direct analysis of CO2 gas, eliminating the need to graphitize samples. As a result, a variety of analytical instruments can be interfaced to an AMS system, processing time is decreased, and smaller samples can be analyzed (albeit with lower precision). We have coupled a gas chromatograph to a compact C-14 AMS system fitted with a microwave ion source for real-time compound-specific C-14 analysis. As an initial test of the system, we have analyzed a sample of fatty acid methyl esters and biodiesel. Peak shape and memory was better then existing systems fitted with a hybrid ion source while precision was comparable. C-14/C-12 ratios of individual components at natural abundance levels were consistent with those determined by conventional methods. Continuing refinements to the ion source are expected to improve the performance and scope of the instrument. |
