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Updated: Jan 19, 2026

Preparing an Isotopically Pure 229Th Ion Beam for Studies of 229mTh
Published on: May 3, 2019
Boutique neutrons advance 40Ar/39Ar geochronology
Daniel Rutte1,2, Paul R Renne1,2, Jonathan Morrell3
1Berkeley Geochronology Center, Berkeley, CA 94709, USA.
Abstract:
We designed and tested a compact deuteron-deuteron fusion neutron generator for application to 40Ar/39Ar geochronology. The nearly monoenergetic neutrons produced for sample irradiation are anticipated to provide several advantages compared with conventional fission spectrum neutrons: Reduction of collateral nuclear reactions increases age accuracy and precision. Irradiation parameters within the neutron generator are more controllable compared with fission reactors. Confidence in the prediction of recoil energies is improved, and their likely reduction potentially broadens applicability of the dating method to fine-grained materials without vacuum encapsulation. Resolution of variation in the 39K(n,p)39Ar neutron capture cross section at 1.3 to 3.2 MeV and discovery of a strong resonance at ~2.4 MeV illuminate future pathways to improve the technique for 40Ar/39Ar dating.
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