The graphitization procedure of the samples is performed using scientific instruments made in Switzerland – Automated Graphitization Equipment AGE-3 (IonPlus AG) or high thruput CO₂ graphitization systems CORgiS (Barnas, Lithuania).
CORgiS system for Sample Graphitization @VILNIUS RADIOCARBON Laboratory
Radiocarbon is measured with two state‑of‑the‑art accelerator mass spectrometers: a single‑stage AMS manufactured in the USA by National Electrostatics Corp. (NEC), the world leader in electrostatic ion‑beam accelerator systems, and the innovative Low Energy Accelerator (LEA) from IonPlus AG, Switzerland. A third SSAMS accelerator is scheduled to be launched and begin measurements in the second half of 2026.
The background of measurements is estimated to be 2.45 × 10⁻³ fM (fraction of modern carbon) using phthalic anhydride. The IAEA-C2, IAEA-C3, IAEA-C7, IAEA-C9, NIST OXII, SIRI K (carbonate) standards are used as reference materials. The ¹⁴C/¹²C ratio is measured with an accuracy better than 0.3% (+/-30 years or less). For the isotopic fractionation correction, the ratio of ¹³C to ¹²C is used.
240 KV Single Stage Accelerator Mass Spectrometer @VILNIUS RADIOCARBON laboratory
Low energy accelerator LEA @VILNIUS RADIOCARBON laboratory
All dates are calibrated by OxCal v4.4.2 (Bronk Ramsey, 2020), atmospheric data from Reimer et al., 2020.
