14C INTERCOMPARISON EXERCISE ON BONES AND IVORY SAMPLES: IMPLICATIONS FOR FORENSICS

The application of accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS C-14) dating in forensics is made possible by the use of the large excursion of the C-14 concentration in the post-WWII terrestrial atmosphere due to nuclear testing as a reference curve for data calibration. By this approach high-precision analyses are possible on samples younger than similar to 70 years. Nevertheless, the routine, widespread application of the method in the practice of forensics still appears to be limited by different issues due to possible complex interpretation of the results. We present the results of an intercomparison exercise carried out in the framework of an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) CRP-Coordinated Research Project between three AMS laboratories in Italy, Hungary, and Switzerland. Bone and ivory samples were selected with ages spanning from background (>50 ka) to 2018. The results obtained allow us to assess the high degree of reproducibility of the results and the remarkable consistency of the experimental determinations.

Automated summary

The application of accelerator mass spectrometry radiocarbon (AMS C-14) dating in forensics is limited by the complex interpretation of results, despite the high precision analysis possible. Results of an intercomparison exercise between three AMS laboratories in Italy, Hungary, and Switzerland within an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) coordinated research project demonstrate high reproducibility and consistency in the experimental determinations.