Radiocarbon Laboratory
This laboratory services the different archaeological projects at MPI-GEA. Fundamental research is undertaken to improve the quality of radiocarbon measurements and expand range of radiocarbon applications. The laboratory is equipped to prepare archaeological bone and charcoal samples for AMS radiocarbon dating. An Ionplus AGE 3 third generation automated graphitisation device is employed for the preparation of graphite targets. Radiocarbon measurements are carried out using an Ionplus MICADAS AMS system through a collaboration with the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry in Jena. The laboratory is also equipped with portable XRF (Niton XL3t - Thermo Fisher) and FTIR (Agilent 4300) instruments. These are used to pre-screen in the lab and in-situ sample preservation and are also made available for use by other institute members.