Technical note: Quantifying uranium-series disequilibrium in natural samples for dosimetric dating – Part 1: gamma spectrometry

Mauz, Barbara ORCID: 0000-0003-1504-333X, Nolan, Paul J and Appleby, Peter G ORCID: 0000-0002-6945-1841 (2022) Technical note: Quantifying uranium-series disequilibrium in natural samples for dosimetric dating – Part 1: gamma spectrometry. Geochronology, 4 (1). pp. 213-225.

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5194/gchron-4-213-2022

Abstract

<jats:p>Abstract. Dosimetric dating techniques rely on accurate and precise determination of environmental radioactivity. Gamma spectrometry is the method of choice for determining the activity of 238U, 232Th, and 40K. With the aim to standardize gamma-spectrometric procedures for the purpose of determining accurate parent nuclide activities in natural samples, we outline the basics of gamma spectrometry and practical laboratory procedures here. This includes gamma radiation and instrumentation, sample preparation, finding the suitable measurement geometry and sample size for a given detector, and using the most suitable energy peaks in a gamma spectrum. The issue of correct efficiency calibration is highlighted. The procedures outlined are required for estimating contemporary parent nuclide activity. For estimating changing activities during burial specific data analyses are required, and these are also highlighted. </jats:p>

Item Type:	Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > School of Physical Sciences
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	11 May 2022 10:28
Last Modified:	17 Sep 2023 05:39
DOI:	10.5194/gchron-4-213-2022
Related URLs:	Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3154596