Laboratory Services

210Pb Dating using Alpha and Gamma Analysis. 

   210Pb dating can be achieved using alpha and gamma spectrometry.

   Our gamma spectrometer is calibrated for efficiency using reference materials from the International Atomic Energy Agency to provide the most accurate measurements possible. Our data computations are done on a specially developed software program from ScienTissiME. The program takes into account efficiencies, self attenuation corrections, self absorption corrections, cascade corrections and many others.

   210Pb dating, when measured on our alpha counters, is done using 209Po isotopic dilution. This method is extremely sensitive and accurate for low concentrations. The benefit of alpha spectroscopy comes from its ultra low backgrounds. This method is extremely useful for those labs with limited materials, and whose samples come from the southern hemisphere, and high Arctic regions.

   When our counters are not in use by our members, we offer our 210Pb dating methods (alpha, gamma) and measurements for individual assays (gamma) to other researchers in various universities, companies, government and private groups. All of our work is done on site using non-destructive methods. Measurements are done by digital gamma ray spectroscopy. We employ up to 4 dating models to provide users with the best possible dating scenarios for their sediment core profiles.

•    CRS = constant rate of supply

•    CIC = constant initial concentration

•    Cs = 137Cs

•    CFCS = constant flux constant sedimentation rate

   Individual assay measurements are done using our gamma spectrometer and interpreted with our specially calibrated system to provide efficiency corrected concentrations.

If you are interested in submitting samples for 210Pb dating or for individual assays, please contact Linda Kimpe at: 

lkimpe@uottawa.ca    

Tel: 613-562-5800 ext 6668