Efficient radiocarbon measurements on marine and terrestrial samples with single stage Accelerator Mass Spectrometry at the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute, University of Tokyo

Abstract

A single stage Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (National Electrostatic Corporation, YS-AMS) at the Atmosphere and Ocean Research Institute (AORI), University of Tokyo has operated smoothly since 2013. The average annual operation hours exceeded 8000 h/year for the last two years, allowing for measurement of up to 2912 samples/year (including standards). A newly developed in-house automated system increased the throughput dramatically, with a total of 16,000 samples measured to date. A 14C/12C measurement precision on standard material is better than 0.1 % due to and improved operation software system and an increased number of standards measured per run. Results have improved geochronological information for paleoenvironmental, biological, and geohazard studies.