Laser spectroscopy applied in radiocarbon dating with the bomb peak

Year: 2025

Authors: Ling Q., Zhou Y., Chen D.R., Varricchio L., Detti A., Bartalini S., Guan Z.G.

Autors Affiliation: Zhejiang Normal Univ, Ctr Environm & Climate Change Res, Hangzhou 311231, Peoples R China; CNR INO, Via Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; LENS, Via Carrara 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy; Univ Pisa, Dept Pharm, Via Bonanno 6, I-56126 Pisa, Italy; ppqSense Srl, Viale Ariosto 492-B, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.

Abstract: Bomb-peak dating plays a crucial role in forensic applications. By comparing the radiocarbon concentrations of samples containing biological carbon with the bomb-peak curve, their ages can be accurately determined. Accelerator mass spectroscopy (AMS) is currently the most advanced technique for radiocarbon analysis; however, it is hindered by high costs, complex construction, maintenance requirements, and labor-intensive sample preparation. In contrast, Saturated absorption CAvity Ring-down (SCAR) spectroscopy has merged as an innovative, cost-effective, and efficient alternative for radiocarbon analysis. This technique has already demonstrated its competitiveness in biofraction analysis. In this study, we report, for the first time, the application of SCAR spectroscopy in bomb-peak dating. Unlike AMS, SCAR spectroscopy directly measures the concentration of radiocarbon by analyzing the absorption spectrum of 14CO2 gas, eliminating the need for complex graphitization during sample preparation. To evaluate the feasibility of this technique in dating applications, we analyzed various types of samples, including wine, paper, and wood. The radiocarbon ages obtained using SCAR spectroscopy showed reasonable consistency with the age information of these samples, demonstrating its potential as a reliable tool for bomb-peak dating. (c) 2025 Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Optica Open Access Publishing Agreement

Journal/Review: OPTICS EXPRESS

Volume: 33 (4)      Pages from: 7830  to: 7840

More Information: Pioneer and Leading Goose R&D Program of Zhejiang (2022C03084) .
KeyWords: Carbon; C-14; Dioxide
DOI: 10.1364/OE.554129