Enrichment of Radiocarbon for Dating Samples up to 75,000 Years
Open Access
- 1 January 1975
- journal article
- Published by Walter de Gruyter GmbH in Zeitschrift für Naturforschung A
- Vol. 30 (1) , 1-14
- https://doi.org/10.1515/zna-1975-0102
Abstract
The range of the radiocarbon dating method can be extended by about 20,000 years by means of thermal diffusion isotopic enrichment. A description of the Clusius-Dickel type enrichment columns and their operation is given. Prior to enrichment the carbonaceous sample material is combusted to CO2 and then reduced to CO. The enriched sample is re-oxidized to CO2 . The combustion-, reduction-and oxidation-apparatus and their operation are described. The performance of the thermal diffusion columns has been tested and an empirical, volume independent relation between the isotope separation factors of 14C 16O and all molecules with mass 〈30〉 is given q14 - 1 = (1.13 ± 0.05) (q30 - 1) + (0.035 ± 0.005) (q30 - 1)2 . The influence of contaminations on the reability of 14C dates obtained with this method is discussed. Laboratory contaminations can be kept below the detection limit as is shown by the preparation of two anthracite samples. Still there may be some influence on dates obtained for very old samples. As far as laboratory contaminations are concerned, dates up to 75,000 years can be obtained.Keywords
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