Laser spectroscopy applied in radiocarbon dating with the bomb peak

Bomb-peak dating plays a crucial role in forensic applications. By comparing the radiocarbon concentrations of samples containing biological carbon with the bomb-peak curve, their ages can be accurately determined. Accelerator mass spectroscopy (AMS) is currently the most advanced technique for radiocarbon analysis; however, it is hindered by high costs, complex construction, maintenance requirements, and labor-intensive sample preparation. In contrast, <b><i>S</i></b>aturated absorption <b><i>CA</i></b>vity <b><i>R</i></b>ing-down (SCAR) spectroscopy has merged as an innovative, cost-effective, and efficient alternative for radiocarbon analysis. This technique has already demonstrated its competitiveness in biofraction analysis. In this study, we report, for the first time, the application of SCAR spectroscopy in bomb-peak dating. Unlike AMS, SCAR spectroscopy directly measures the concentration of radiocarbon by analyzing the absorption spectrum of ¹⁴CO₂ gas, eliminating the need for complex graphitization during sample preparation. To evaluate the feasibility of this technique in dating applications, we analyzed various types of samples, including wine, paper, and wood. The radiocarbon ages obtained using SCAR spectroscopy showed reasonable consistency with the age information of these samples, demonstrating its potential as a reliable tool for bomb-peak dating.