Materials characterization using accelerator mass spectrometry

Abstract Several materials, including TiH, stainless steel (No. 304), CaCO 3 and a boron nitride/graphite mix have been analysed using accelerator mass spectrometry. Elemental and molecular negative ion injection have been examined to enhance the sensitivity for elements with low electron affinities. Ca and Sr negative ions, as well as metastable molecules of charge state 3 + are demonstrated. Conditions for high sensitivity analysis in unknown samples are also discussed.