Developments in accelerator mass spectrometry

Abstract

This report attempts to summarize the technical evolution of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) instrumentation over the last thirty-five years. The related impact of the AMS measurement technology to the wide variety of applications of long-lived radionuclides in modern research is not covered. The accompanying article by W. Kutschera overviews these applications. Here, I am providing an introduction to the basics principles of AMS measurement technology, describe the set-up of a typical AMS instrument, and discuss in general specific requirements to reach sensitivity as it is required to measure long-lived radionuclides at their natural levels in the environment. A retrospective view is given on the major development steps of AMS instruments and measurement technique. Special attention is paid to the simplification of AMS systems by reducing their size and complexity. These developments have launched the wide spread use of AMS in modern research fields. Today, commercially available high-performance instruments are standard for more than 100 AMS facilities around the World. There are a number of primary important radionuclides in focus of AMS measurement procedures but radiocarbon is still of paramount importance. Consequently, I will summarize the latest developments in radiocarbon AMS.