Development and testing of an integrated combustion and gas ion source system for AMS

Abstract A method for interfacing an automated combustion unit to a gas ion source for 14 C analysis is described. This method makes use of an actively controlled transfer line which accommodates the relatively fast flow of the output He carrier gas and short time duration during which the CO 2 is released from the combustion unit, and provides a constant ratio of CO 2 to He carrier gas to the ion source. Details of the active control system are presented and results from the testing of this control are provided.