ACCELERATOR MASS SPECTROMETRY Meaning and
Definition
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Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a highly sensitive analytical technique used in the field of radiocarbon dating and isotopic analysis. It is a type of mass spectrometry that allows for the measurement of isotopic ratios with extraordinary precision and accuracy, even in samples with very small amounts of carbon-14.
In AMS, the sample, usually consisting of a few milligrams of carbon, is first converted into graphite before being ionized. The ions are then accelerated to high energy using a particle accelerator, typically a tandem accelerator, hence the name "accelerator" mass spectrometry. This high energy allows for the separation and analysis of individual isotopes present in the sample.
AMS provides many advantages over traditional mass spectrometry techniques. Its ability to measure isotopic ratios accurately from extremely small samples makes it particularly useful in fields such as archaeology, geology, and environmental science. AMS can date samples as old as 60,000 years, much older than techniques such as radiometric dating, and can also analyze samples with mixed isotopes, such as those containing both carbon-14 and carbon-12.
The technique has revolutionized radiocarbon dating by allowing for direct dating of organic materials and providing more precise results. It has also been instrumental in the study of climate change, as it enables accurate monitoring of carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and the tracking of carbon cycles in different environmental reservoirs. Overall, accelerator mass spectrometry has become an indispensable tool in various scientific disciplines, offering unparalleled sensitivity and accuracy in isotopic analysis.
