Find your target radionuclides faster
When processing samples for geochronology using cosmogenic radionuclides such as ¹⁰Be, ²⁶Al, or ¹⁴C, it can be difficult and time-intensive to identify the best sample regions to target for mass spectrometry. Adding the iQID to your geochronology workflow can dramatically improve the efficiency of your operations.
The iQID provides a real-time image of the radionuclide distribution in your sample by imaging alpha and beta decays, allowing you to quickly identify the ideal target regions of your sample for mass spectrometry.
Cosmogenic nuclides you can view with the iQID
| Isotope | Major decay product |
|---|---|
| ³H | β- |
| ¹⁰Be | β- |
| ¹⁴C | β- |
| ²⁶Al | β+ |
| ³⁶Cl | β- |
| ³²Si | β- |
| ³⁹Ar | β- |
| ²²Na | β+ |
| ³⁵S | β- |
| ³³P | β- |
| ³²P | β- |
| ²⁸Mg | β- |
| ²⁴Na | β- |
| ³⁸S | β- |
| ³¹Si | β- |
| ¹⁸F | β+ |
| ³⁹Cl | β- |
| ³⁸Cl | β- |
| ³⁴ᵐCl | β+ |
Zircon Crystals in Geochronology
Zircon crystals are an ideal target for radiometric dating for a variety of reasons. They can be found mixed into a wide variety of sediments and rocks. The iQID can help you image the location of radioactive zircon crystals in your target material. This allows a zircon to be precisely located and incised with a laser to be radio-dated. This saves time and allows your to preserve more of the source material.
