Located in the Advanced Research Complex (ARC), the radiocarbon lab prepares samples for analysis on either our Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) engineered by Ionplus, or our 3MV accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) made by High Voltage Engineering (HVE). Our lab features custom semi-automated graphitization lines, which integrate user simplicity with full systems-monitoring and sample protection interlocks. For further information on sample preparation techniques, please refer to our analytical services by section (solids, waters, gases).

• Lalonde AMS was used to date a needle case housed at the Museum of History in Gatineau. The case is of European manufacture and was found in an Iroquois site occupied only in the 16th century. It is an example of very early indigenous contact with Europeans.
• The lab coordinates with archaeologist from the Government of Yukon Tourism and Culture division investigating alpine hunting technologies used by the First Nations Peoples over the past 10,000 years. Most notably, radiocarbon chronologies show that dart throwing was abruptly replaced by the bow and arrow. This occurred after the massive volcanic eruption of Mt. Churchill 1,200 years ago, which caused wide-scale migrations of people allowing for cultural exchange with southern communities.
• To learn more about exciting research our lab supports, check out our News & updates.