Low-Level Liquid Scintillation Counter Array with Computerized Data Acquisition and Age Calculation Capabilities for 14C Dating

Abstract

We describe a two-phase study directed toward background reduction of a manual liquid scintillation counter and the interfacing of electronics for counting to a computer data acquisition system. Counter background reduction is achieved with afterpulse electronics, a high-performance cocktail, an auxiliary detector/guard and a special sample vial holder. The data acquisition system is comprised of an electronic signal processor and sorter for operating up to eight counters simultaneously and interfacing to a computer with software for data storage, acquisitions and age dating calculations. We discuss low-background counter modifications, electronic signal processing and computer software for 14C age dating.