Atom Trap Trace Analysis (ATTA) is a new method for ultrasensitive trace-isotope analysis developed within Argonne’s Physics Division that employs a laser-based atom trap to selectively capture and detect the isotope of interest. The current, third-generation, prototype ATTA apparatus located in the Physics Division has been specifically developed for trace analysis of the long-lived krypton isotopes ⁸¹Kr (half-life t_1/2 = 2.3X10⁵ years, isotopic abundance (I.A.) ~10^-12) and ⁸⁵Kr (t_1/2 = 10.8 years, I.A. ~10^-11). Over the past several years, this instrument has been utilized for numerous studies in the earth sciences, mainly to investigate resident ages of groundwater and ice samples. With the increasing demand for radio-krypton sample analyses, continued operation with only one prototype R&D instrument has become difficult to sustain. We propose to establish a dedicated facility for radio-krypton dating built around a new state-of-the-art ATTA instrument. I will present recent progress as well as on-going and planned research and developments projects concerning the ATTA method and will outline the plans for this new facility.

Argonne Physics Division Seminar Schedule