Applications of accelerator mass spectrometry in analysis of trace isotopes and elements (Technical Report)

Abstract

Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is mainly employed to measure very low concentrations of a number of long-lived radioisotopes and stable isotopes with very high sensitivities. The predominant application of AMS is in the field of geosciences and is based on chronological evaluations and dating principles. This paper deals with AMS applications other than dating problems, aiming at the analytical aspects of the trace isotopes and trace elements. It addresses non-dating applications in the fields of nuclear physics, geology hydrology, environmental sciences, material sciences and, in recent years, biomedical sciences which have received increasing attention. Comparison of AMS with other analytical techniques with respect to detection limits and other functions is also discussed. © 1994 IUPAC