Accelerator mass spectrometry

Summary and topics of accelerator mass spectrometry are explained. This method is able to determine amount of 14C in some ten micrograms of sample. Principle of method, comparison between mass spectrometer and accelerator mass spectrometer and interdisciplinary use of it are described. Although it can measure more than 140 radionuclide, the measurement method is established and measurable nuclides are limited. Recently, 99Tc, actinoids and tritium can be determined with high accuracy. 26 radioisotopes determined by this method until 1990 are shown with half-life, sample form and detection limit. A compact accelerator mass spectrometer, gas chromatography accelerator mass spectrometer (GC-AMS) and liquid chromatography accelerator mass spectrometer (LC-AMS) are going to be developed. (S.Y.)