The Background of Counters and Radiocarbon Dating

Creators: Moljk, A.; Drever, R. W. P.; Curran, S. C.

Abstract

In order to compare the efficiency of different counting arrangements for radiocarbon dating the use of a factor of merit M = s_0/ √b, where s_0 is the counting rate from a fresh carbon sample and b the background counting rate, is suggested. In standard low activity equipment with a Geiger or proportional counter surrounded by a ring of Geiger counters in anti-coincidence, the residual background is mainly due to the detection of secondary particles produced in the wall of the counter by uncharged radiations. A new type of proportional counter, in which this wall effect is reduced, is described. The counter is fitted with a ring of internal shielding counters separated only by a number of cathode wires from the main central counter. The operation of this counting equipment is discussed, and it is shown that the background of 2•2 counts/min obtained under normal operating conditions in a sensitive volume of 5•61. is due mainly to the absorption of uncharged radiations in the gaseous sample itself.

Additional Information

© 1957 Royal Society Publishing. Received 22 August 1956. Revised 17 October 1956. We should like to express our appreciation of the contribution to the work of Mr H. MacMillan, who constructed the electronic equipment and assisted in its development. One of us (A.M.) would like to thank the University of Ljubljana for extended leave of absence and Professor P. I. Dee, F.R.S., for the hospitality of his laboratory. One of us (R.W.P.D.) is indebted to the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research for financial support. The work was made possible by virtue of an award to one of us (S.C.C.) of a grant by the Committee of the R. W. Paul Instrument Fund.

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The Background of Counters and Radiocarbon Dating

Abstract

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