36 Cl accelerator mass spectrometry with a bespoke instrument

Cosmogenic 36Cl analysis by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a valuable environmental and geological sciences research tool. Overcoming the stable nuclide 36S isobar interfering with measurement is challenging, however. Traditionally this has required large accelerators, but following recent technical advances it is now possible with ∼30MeV ion energies. Consequently 5MV or even smaller modern bespoke spectrometers are now 36Cl-capable, increasing accessibility and promoting wider and more varied 36Cl use.