RADIOCARBON ANALYSIS AND STATUS REPORT FROM TuRKIYE: 1MV NATIONAL AMS LABORATORY (TUBITAK-AMS)

In autumn of 2016, the National 1MV Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Laboratory at The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkiye (TuBITAK), Marmara Research Center (MRC), Turkiye (Turkey), started to offer radiocarbon (C-14) analysis service internationally. In this article, the process from sample acceptance to reporting and the primary procedures implemented and applied for C-14 analysis at the TuBITAK AMS Radiocarbon Dating Laboratory are described. The service provided by the laboratory includes sample evaluation for C-14 analysis, sample preparation, graphite production, AMS measurement, data supervision, calendar date calculations, and consultancy. For commercial testing and analysis, a one-page official report which shows the C-14 age and uncertainty is provided for each sample. In addition to a dedicated wet chemistry laboratory to process samples before measurement with AMS, there are two systems for the conversion of CO2 to elemental carbon process; an automated graphitization system (AGE III) and a manual graphitization system based on a glass high vacuum line. A 1MV UAMS NEC Pelletron system installed in the laboratory is used for natural level C-14 samples needed to be analyzed for archeological, geological, geographical, and environmental and forensic science applications. In addition to commercial C-14 testing and analysis activities, national and international research projects can be developed or contributed to within the scope of project management or partnership.

Automated summary

This article describes the process of the National 1MV Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) Laboratory in Turkey offering radiocarbon (C-14) analysis service internationally. The laboratory provides services including sample evaluation, preparation, measurement, and consultancy. The laboratory also has systems for CO2 conversion and a 1MV UAMS NEC Pelletron system for natural level C-14 samples. In addition to commercial activities, the laboratory can contribute to research projects.