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Studies in the Measurement of Nuclear Radiations of Extremely Low Intensity - Carbon 14 Dating

Citation

Jacobson, Norman Ford (1956) Studies in the Measurement of Nuclear Radiations of Extremely Low Intensity - Carbon 14 Dating. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/M68S-AP25. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03242004-143552

Abstract

The technical details of a radiation measuring system based on a quartz torsion fiber electroscope and a pressurized ionization chamber are described. This equipment is designed to measure the radiation intensity from the carbon-14 contained in a sample introduced into the system as carbon dioxide. This system, including the shielding, is shown to be capable of measuring nuclear radiations of extremely low intensities, on the order of 1/200 of the normal laboratory background level, with a probable error of approximately l%. The background radiation intensity observed with the system including the shielding is also on the order of 1/200 of the normal laboratory background level. The nature of background radiation and its relation to the measurement of such low intensities is discussed. It is shown that the main limitation in accuracy, with the equipment described here, is due to cosmic ray bursts. It is also shown that the major source of background radiation is external to the equipment, being thus due to cosmic rays and/or local external gamma ray emitting material contamination. Although the evidence is not conclusive, the data indicates in addition that the cosmic rays are the major contributor to this background radiation. The main conclusion which may be drawn from these results is that the selection of an equipment location is very effective in reducing the level of background radiation, thus permitting the measurement of radiation fields of extremely low intensity. The final application of this equipment was to the well known carbon-14 dating method originated by W. F. Libby. Several samples of interest were dated and the results are given. Of particular interest, are the samples from the Santa Rosa Islands off the California Coast, concerning an Indian culture which existed there before Christ and after.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:(Chemistry and Mathematics)
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Major Option:Chemistry
Minor Option:Mathematics
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Yost, Don M. (advisor)
  • Neher, Henry Victor (advisor)
  • Bacher, Robert F. (advisor)
Thesis Committee:
  • Unknown, Unknown
Defense Date:1 January 1956
Additional Information:Title varies in 1956 Caltech commencement program: "Studies in the Measurement of Nuclear Radiations of Extremely Low Intensities: Carbon 14 Dating"
Record Number:CaltechETD:etd-03242004-143552
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechETD:etd-03242004-143552
DOI:10.7907/M68S-AP25
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:1090
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Imported from ETD-db
Deposited On:25 Mar 2004
Last Modified:13 Jul 2023 18:50

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