Optimization of 236U AMS at CIRCE

• DOI: 10.1017/s003382220004532x
• Publication Date: 2016-07-20T01:15:59Z
• Authors: M De Cesare; Y Guan; F Quinto; C Sabbarese; N De Cesare; A D'Onofrio; L Gialanella; A Petraglia; V Roca; F Terrasi
• Keywords: Accelerator mass spectrometry; Upgrade

Actinide isotopes are present in environmental samples at ultra-trace levels ( 236 U concentration is quoted to be on the order of pg/kg or fg/kg). Their detection requires resolution mass spectrometry (MS) techniques, but only accelerator (AMS) has sensitivity required. In perform isotopic ratio measurements actinides, such as U/ 238 U, an upgrade Center for Isotopic Research Cultural and Environmental Heritage (CIRCE) Caserta, Italy, been performed. The system was originally equipped radiocarbon AMS measurements. main difficulty measurement intense neighboring beam U. Although most ions suppressed by means magnetic electrostatic elements, a small fraction this can interfere with rare isotopes. This paper reports preliminary results limit (<5.6 x 10 –11 ), aimed also better understand origin background ions. For purpose, large 16-strip silicon detector providing spatial used. addition, calculations assess performance obtained adding high-resolution time flight-energy (TOF-E) discussed.