Gakushuin Natural Radiocarbon Measurements I

Abstract

Natural C14measurements have been performed at Gakushuin University since 1959, using a proportional counter of 400 ml (Kigoshi and Tomikura, 1960). The counter presently in service is made of copper tubing and has an effective volume of 900 ml. Acetylene gas is used as counting gas at pressure 600–760 mmHg and prepared in the same way as in the case of 400 ml counter. The counter is shielded by iron sheets of 23-cm thickness and by anti-coincidence with a multianode propane-flow proportional counter of Houterman's type (Houtermans, 1958). A background of 5.6 counts/min has been attained with this counter arrangement. The modern carbon sample filled at 0°C and 760 mmHg shows an activity of 11.8 counts/min. The samples with code numbers greater than GaK-60 were measured by this counter.