Chronos Radiocarbon Laboratory
Who we are
The Chronos Radiocarbon Laboratory is Australia’s newest radiocarbon accelerator, providing high precision, rapid, low-cost dating back to 55,000 years.
The facility makes thousands of radiocarbon measurements a year for both research and industry. We focus on supporting research into environmental history, archaeology and climate change. We specialise in dating ancient wood, charcoal, shells, peat and lake sediments.
Funding partners:
Capabilities
Instruments
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The Mini CArbon DAting System (MICADAS) is an Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) system designed for high-precision radiocarbon (¹⁴C) analysis of solid or gaseous samples. It accurately measures the isotopic ratios of ¹³C/¹²C and ¹⁴C/¹²C.
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Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is a specialisation of mass spectrometry that allows the precise measurement of the relative abundance of stable isotopes in a given sample. The natural variation in isotopic abundances in materials can be very small and require the use of an IRMS to measure them.
Our people
Fees
UNSW-subsidised rates are applicable to UNSW-funded projects. Projects that are funded by external institutions or industry will incur higher rates (+GST).
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- Internal Rate is applicable to all UNSW account holders. Client support for sample preparation and pre-treatment are usually required for the Internal Rate.
- Research Rate is applicable to all other universities, and government institutions (i.e., ANSTO and CSIRO). Samples may be provided pre-treated from previously approved laboratories under the Research Rate.
- The commercial rate covers all other users
All rates are in Australian dollars, excluding GST, and per sample
Rate Internal rate Research rate Commercial Rate - AMS Radiocarbon Analysis(¹⁴C)
- $200
- $400
$600 - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry
- (IRMS, ¹³C, ¹⁵N)
$30 $50 $70 Results are presented in a report as radiocarbon conventional dates and F¹⁴C values. The Chronos Radiocarbon Facility will support a limited number of collaborative projects at Research Rates and provide cost support though additional sample analysis. Please contact us to discuss a potential collaboration. Our preferred mode of collaboration is via grant applications. Typical turnaround time is three months. Although we do not offer an expedited service for an additional fee, please enquire at time of submission if required.
How to access
For enquiries about our capabilities, collaboration, training or service analysis, please contact the Director, Professor Tim Barrows.
Sample preparation
Chemical pre-treatment laboratory for preparation of wood, sediment, charcoal and other materials for AGE3 graphitisation prior to analysis on the MICADAS AMS.
Workshop for wood pre-processing with a sliding panel saw, band saw, belt sander and shot blasting cabinet.
Contact us
Chronos Radiocarbon Laboratory
Room B06
Science Engineering Building (E8)
UNSW Sydney, NSW 2033
We like to hear from you. If you have questions, requests or ideas for collaboration, please complete the contact form and we will be in touch within five business days.
Resources
Get in touch about your project
We offer a range of services that can be tailored to your needs. Please send us an enquiry to get started.
