Radiochronology laboratory

The radiochronology laboratory is specialized in the analysis of short-lived radioisotopes (²¹⁰Pb) as well as those of anthropogenic origin (¹³⁷Cs), which provide information on environmental and surface processes of the Earth. The laboratory is equipped with alpha and beta spectrometers and a well gamma detector. Several types of analyses are carried out for universities and the private sector. The primary mission of this laboratory is the training of students by allowing them to learn specialized techniques.

EGG-Ortec Type 576A^tm alpha spectrometer:

Spectrometer equipped with 16 detectors (semi-conductor silicon crystals) transforming the alpha disintegration energies into electric signals. These signals are then amplified and sent to a multichannel analyser. The data is then processed by a computer running Maestro^TM.

Gamma spectrometer:

EGG-Ortec gamma well detector (pure germanium) spectrometer with a volumetric capacity of approximately 10 cm³.

These rates will apply from January 1, 2024.

a : student prepares samples (polonium extraction). If the student requires training, the first 12 samples will be charged at $75 each.
b : samples are prepared by laboratory staff.
c : any professor who is a regular member of Geotop.
d : includes government agencies. The rate includes a 15% overhead fee levied by UQAM.
e : the rate includes a 15% overhead fee levied by UQAM.

Additional fees will be charged if samples require preparation prior to processing by laboratory personnel. See Form tab for details.

For further information or to request a quotation, please contact prijac.antonin [at] uqam.ca (Antonin Prijac).

Sample submission procedures

1. prijac.antonin [at] uqam.ca (Please contact the laboratory) to discuss the scheduling of analyses and to obtain all the necessary information (availability, analysis times, additional information).  
   
   Any sample received without prior contact with the laboratory will not be processed.
   
   Please note that samples from Geotop students will be given priority.  
   
   Geotop students may also come to the laboratory to do their analyses. For planning purposes, we will organize the analysis periods together, depending on how busy the laboratory is.
    
2. Prepare your samples
   1. For α-radiometry analyses
      - Samples must be dehydrated, freeze-dried or dried, and ground. Samples requiring prior preparation such as dehydration, drying, freeze-drying and/or grinding, will be charged $10 per sample per day.
      - They must be representative of the layer from which they come.
      - Consider a sample with a dry weight mass of approximately 0.3 g (≈0.1-0.5 g) and known dry density.
      - Samples can be packed in sealed plastic bags ("zip lock" type) but plastic tubes ("Eppendorf" type) or glass vials are preferred.
       
   2. For γ-radiometry analyses
      - Samples must be dehydrated, freeze-dried or dried, and ground. Samples requiring prior preparation such as dehydration, drying, freeze-drying and/or grinding, will be charged $10 per sample per day.
      - Consider a sample with a dry weight mass of approximately 5-10 g.
      Samples can be packed in any container. Please note that once received, samples will be put in plastic vials and sealed with parafilm. A waiting time of 21 days is required before samples can be analyzed. To avoid this waiting time, please contact prijac.antonin [at] uqam.ca (Antonin Prijac )for the sample preparation method.
       
3. Fill in the submission form, downloadable here
    
4. Send samples once you have received the laboratory confirmation to:

Antonin Prijac
Université du Québec à Montréal - Geotop
2005 rue Jeanne-Mance
Montréal QC
H2X 2J6
Canada

For international shipments, use the regular postal service. If you use a courier service, be sure to pay customs clearance fees.