Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7441818 | Journal of Archaeological Science | 2015 | 12 Pages |
Abstract
Radiocarbon dating of microgram residues is a relatively new field in archaeological research and is currently limited by a lack of analytical protocols and instrumentation. Successful applications of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) have demonstrated the potential of the technique on small samples but also revealed challenges and problems, especially with contamination. This paper reviews the literature on AMS radiocarbon dated residues using microgram sized carbon samples. Samples from archaeological studies are targeted, including residues from lithics, ceramics and rock art. We examine data helpful to avoiding contamination and to facilitating residue radiocarbon dating. As a result we present a preliminary sampling protocol to assist archaeologists in preventing contaminant transfer from fieldwork onwards.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Materials Science
Materials Science (General)
Authors
A.B. Yates, A.M. Smith, F. Bertuch,