The detection of 182Hf by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is greatly complicated because of the stable and common isobar 182W. Although significant W reduction can be achieved during negative ion formation using HfF5 -, additional separation is necessary to achieve detection sensitivities sufficient for astrophysical applications, i.e. detection of potential supernova-produced 182Hf on Earth. In this paper, we present a new development of isobar separation using the ?TOF detection method at the Munich MP Tandem accelerator (TV = 14 MV), where ion energies for 182Hf of about 1 MeV/amu can be achieved. Particular attention is drawn on specific energy loss and energy loss straggling measurements in various materials, the basis for our method of isobar separation. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.    «

The detection of 182Hf by Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) is greatly complicated because of the stable and common isobar 182W. Although significant W reduction can be achieved during negative ion formation using HfF5 -, additional separation is necessary to achieve detection sensitivities sufficient for astrophysical applications, i.e. detection of potential supernova-produced 182Hf on Earth. In this paper, we present a new development of isobar separation using the ?TOF detection method at...    »