Objectif
Research objectives and content
The technique of Accelerator Mass Spectroscopy (AMS) allows dating geological and archaeological materials with high precision (so called C14-method). The AMS-facility at Naples is in operation since many years, particularly for investigations . on the chronology of volcanic eruptions. However, precise data on the chronology of historical volcanic eruptions in . Campania are still needed. Furthermore no investigations on the time needed for the re-establishment of environmental . conditions allowing human re-settlement in sites interested by catastrophic eruptions have been performed up to now, although the AMS-technology allows to extract data with highly improved precision. The investigations mentioned above can not be performed using the AMS-system presently available at Naples: These studies demand for improved precision of the analyses as well as for higher throughput of samples to allow systematic studies. Significant technical improvements, i.e. implementation of a dedicated injection system and a fast cycling system, have to be made at the AMS-facility in order to meet these demands. The operation of the new injection system allows to optimise the AMS-system not only for the C14-method but also for different isotopes, such as 10Be and 26A1. The use of these isotopes in the Naples-AMS-facility may demonstrate the potential of AMS in a wide range of different research fields and applications. The research project aims at the technical improvement of the AMS-system at Naples. The applicant will invest his expertise on high voltage techniques and accelerator technology gained in university and industrial projects to implement these improvements under a definite time schedule and a duration of 1 year. Furthermore, systematic studies on the chronology of volcanic eruptions - demonstrating the improved AMS specifications - will be performed.
Training content (objective, benefit and expected impact)
- A training course for students with special emphasis on modern applications of ion accelerators in industry and research will be held during the research project. . - Training of young scientists in accelerator technology and in the use of ion beam analytical methods with special respect to . their use in industry will be accomplished. . - The results of the research project will be presented at international conferences; the industrial relevance will be evaluated . (see below). - The improved AMS-facility opens the window for new highly sensitive applications in different research fields, such as biomedical applications, archaeology, geology, volcanology, oceanography, semiconductor-technology, and environmental studies; these new applications are highly important for future activities at the university of Naples.
Links with industry / industrial relevance (22)
Since the number of applications of accelerator mass spectroscopy is presently significantly increasing, e.g. new biomedical applications, applications in environmental studies, the number of AMS-facilities is rising. The company High Voltage Engineering Europa (HVEE, Amersfoort, NL) is the only European manufacturer of AMS-systems. Discussions with HVEE have manifested a high interest in new technological developments in this field.
Champ scientifique
Appel à propositions
Data not availableRégime de financement
RGI - Research grants (individual fellowships)Coordinateur
80126 NAPOLI
Italie