Cleanroom and sample preparation for mass spectrometry

The Tandem Laboratory operates several cleanrooms to support experiments and studies where strict cleanliness and sample purity are essential.

At the Tandem Laboratory, several cleanrooms are used for experiments and studies that require a high level of cleanliness and sample purity. Such requirements are crucial in both accelerator mass spectrometry and ion beam modification.

Cleanrooms for accelerator mass spectrometry

In several of the laboratory’s cleanrooms, samples are prepared for radiocarbon dating using accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). It is essential that no foreign substances contaminate the material, as this could affect the accuracy of the test results.

The rooms are maintained at an overpressure of 100 Pascal and equipped with an airlock. Within these rooms, combustion systems are used to process certain samples, allowing the extraction of carbon (graphite) for analysis. One of the systems is specifically designed to handle samples as small as 10 microgram of carbon equivalent.

Cleanrooms for ion beam modification

High quality ion beam modification requires ultra-clean surfaces. To prevent dust particles from contaminating surfaces destined for ion implantation, a cleanroom area is directly connected to the implanter system.