LOW-LEVEL LIQUID SCINTILLATION-COUNTER ARRAY WITH COMPUTERIZED DATA-ACQUISITION AND AGE CALCULATION CAPABILITIES FOR C-14 DATING

We describe a two-phase study directed toward background reduction of a manual liquid scintillation counter and the interfacing of electroni cs for counting to a computer data acquisition system. Counter backgro und reduction is achieved with afterpulse electronics, a high-performa nce cocktail, an auxiliary detector/guard and a special sample vial ho lder. The data acquisition system is comprised of an electronic signal processor and sorter for operating up to eight counters simultaneousl y and interfacing to a computer with software for data storage, acquis itions and age dating calculations. We discuss low-background counter modifications, electronic signal processing and computer software for C-14 age dating.