Laser Spectroscopy for Monitoring of Radiocarbon in Atmospheric Samples

[Image: see text] In-situ monitoring of radiocarbon emissions is challenging due to the lack of a suitable method for sensitive online detection of this isotope. Here we report on a complete system for automatized continuous on-site monitoring of radiocarbon gaseous emissions from nuclear facilities. By combining radiocarbon detection using mid-infrared cavity ring-down spectroscopy and an advanced sampling system, an elevated amount of radiocarbon in an atmospheric-like gas matrix was detected. Radiocarbon was detected in the form of (14)CO(2) after extraction of the carbon dioxide from the air sample. The system is also able to discriminate between radiocarbon in organic or inorganic molecular form by converting (14)CH(4) into (14)CO(2). This work lays the groundwork for further use of this technology in nuclear facilities for online on-site monitoring of radioactive gaseous emissions as well as future work on in-situ monitoring of atmospheric radiocarbon.