Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is ultrasensitive isotope ratio mass spectrometry of small, prepared samples. By accelerating sample atoms the ions can be characterised by combined conventional mass spectrometry and high-energy collisions within and after the accelerator. Isotopes typically measured include a handful of rare long-lived radionuclides, 10Be, 14C, 26Al, and 36Cl. The AMS Laboratory specialises in environmental science measurement of these natural chronometers and tracers and undertakes research in pursuit of this. The AMS Laboratory performs about 8,000 analyses a year with collaborators including the SUERC Radiocarbon Laboratory, the NEIF Radiocarbon Facility (Environment), SUERC-Cosmo (includes NEIF-CN), and laboratories further afield.
Get in touch: Dr Derek Fabel
Techniques & Technologies
NEC 5MV Pelletron
measurement of 14C, 10Be, 26Al, 36Cl in solid samples
NEC SSAMS
measurement of 14C in solid samples
NEC PIMS
measurement of 14C in gas samples