How do we measure radiocarbon?

¹⁴C, radiocarbon, can be measured using an accelerator mass spectrometer. What does this carbon isotope tell us about the carbon cycle?

The new generation of accelerator mass spectrometer at the MPI for Biogeochemistry is significantly more compact than the previous accelerator. Visitors to the 14C analysis laboratory learn how 14C isotope ratios are measured: from the types of samples to their preparation and the technical intricacies of the actual measurement.