Radiocarbon analyses

At the Laboratory of Chronology, we conduct hundreds of radiocarbon analyses each year for archaeologists, geologists, environmental scientists, and industry.
Timelines from carbon

When an organism dies, the amount of its radioactive carbon isotope (14C, radiocarbon) decreases to half of its original amount approximately every 5730 years. Radiocarbon is present in very small quantities – the sensitivity of the radiocarbon method corresponds to finding the sharpest tip of a needle in a full hay barn. The method is utilized for dating archaeological and geological materials throughout the carbon cycle, for studying past solar storms, and even for identifying the use of fossil materials in industry.
Operating model

The analysis includes, where applicable, the chemical pretreatment of the sample, conversion of the sample to carbon (graphite) or carbon dioxide (CO2), measurement of the amount of radiocarbon using a particle accelerator (Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, AMS), and a result report. The determinations are carried out in collaboration with the University of Helsinki's Accelerator Laboratory through the Radiocarbon Analytics Finland (RACAF) organization. Depending on the sample type, we also perform supporting determinations (stable isotope or FTIR analyses) if needed. We do not analyze samples labeled with radiocarbon due to contamination risks.
Routine services

We conduct analyses on almost any carbon-containing material (see price list). Typical sample materials include wood, bone, peat, plant remains, as well as process residues and consumer products from industries aiming for a fossil-free economy.

  • Radiocarbon analysis/dating (graphite-AMS, standard, σ ~ 0.3 %)
  • Radiocarbon analysis/dating (graphite-AMS, high precision, σ ~ 0.2 %)
  • Biobased carbon content analysis (graphite-AMS, according to ASTM D6866 standard)
  • Biobased carbon content analysis (CO2-AMS, according to ASTM D6866 standard)
  • IRMS analyses (δ13C, δ15N) for 14C sample characterization
Pricing and turnaround times

The price list (VAT 0%) applies for samples delivered to the laboratory with order form filled out according to the provided instructions. Estimates of turnaround times are given in the price list. NOTE! Internal prices for the University of Helsinki are provided separately, as their pricing is calculated differently.
Orders

Contact us before placing an order so we can go through your needs. You can also visit our laboratory at the University of Helsinki's Kumpula campus to discuss your request (please book a time in advance). Please consider the provided instructions regarding sampling, storage, and shipping. To order determinations, submit a completed order form in Excel format. Send samples according to the address details provided below. You may also bring your samples to our laboratory yourself.

Contacts and filled out order forms to: radiocarbon@helsinki.fi
 

NOTE! Delivered samples will not be processed until a valid, fully filled-out order form has been received.

Send your samples to the address:

Radiohiilianalyysit
Ajoituslaboratorio
PL 64, 00014 Helsingin yliopisto

or via courier services to:

Radiohiilianalyysit
Ajoituslaboratorio
Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2, 00560 Helsinki
Equipment

We use an industrial automation-based control system in our sample processing lines and AMS analyses. Through this, all process data can be recorded for quality control purposes. A more detailed equipment list can be found via the link below.
Quality

Radiocarbon analyses are performed relative to Oxalic Acid II (NIST SRM 4990C) standard refence materials, which correspond to the atmospheric radiocarbon level of 1950. The quality of the determinations is monitored using a modern biobased (vegetable oil) and an old fossil (diesel oil) reference sample, whose radiocarbon concentrations are known. The analytical statistical precision is typically < 0.3 %.