Sample Selection, Characterization and Choice of Treatment for Accurate Radiocarbon Analysis—Insights From the ETH Laboratory
Open access
Date
2024Type
- Journal Article
ETH Bibliography
yes
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Abstract
Accurate radiocarbon (14C) analysis depends on a successful carbon separation relevant to the studied object. The process of 14C dating involves the following steps: characterization and sample choice, sample treatment, measurements, and evaluation of the results. Here, we provide an overview of conventional approaches to macromolecular samples and address specific issues such as detecting and removing contamination with roots, dolomite, and conservation products. We discuss the application of elemental analysis (%N, %C) in the preparation of bones and the infrared analysis in monitoring the contamination of samples. Our observations provide the basis for the discussions of the existing results and for planning the future sampling. Show more
Permanent link
https://doi.org/10.3929/ethz-b-000662476Publication status
publishedExternal links
Journal / series
RadiocarbonPublisher
Cambridge University PressSubject
contamination; FTIR; radiocarbon AMS dating; sample treatment; sievingMore
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ETH Bibliography
yes
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