Accelerator Mass Spectrometry

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) at ANSTO uses the measurement capabilities at the Australian National Tandem for Applied Research (ANTARES), the Small Tandem for Applied Research (STAR), and sample processing and target preparation in the AMS chemistry laboratories.

Antares

Inside ANTARES

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Isotopic and elemental analysis using AMS significantly contributes to scientific studies related to the environment, archaeology, heritage, biology, and materials science.

Collaboration is especially strong with Australian universities and as part of international programs in such areas as climate change and in non-proliferation, involving measuring the presence of uranium, plutonium and iodine-129 to help detect illicit processing and activities.

ANSTO's Institute for Environmental Research uses AMS in radiocarbon dating of diverse natural materials such as lake sediments, rock-art paintings, tree-rings, ice-cores, corals, soils and air to better understand changes in the environment, landscapes and climate.

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