From Hiroshima to the Iceman: Development and Applications of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry - Hardcover

Gove, H. E

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0750305576 ISBN 13: 9780750305570

Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing, 1998

Synopsis

How much difference can a new technique make to the understanding of the world? This is an account of a breakthrough in science and the insights it has brought that would not have been possible without it. Harry Gove has been involved with accelerator mass spectrometry, and here tells the story of its development and use as an ultrasensitive detection technique in many fields of science and the arts. A key advantage of the technique is that it requires only very small samples of material. Areas where the technique has increased understanding and provided solutions to problems include the clean-up and storage of nuclear waste, the effects of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, biomedical research, and the first peopling of the Americas. It has also allowed the carbon dating of many precious artefacts, thereby solving some contemporary mysteries. Objects dated include the Turin Shroud, the Iceman, the elephant bird egg and the Dead Sea Scrolls.

About this title

Review

This is accessible science as it should be written. Harry Gove's new book is a lively account of the history, methodology, and best of all, the fascinating applications of the technique of Accelerator Mass Spectrometry, written by one of its founding fathers. The book is liberally sprinkled with often-understated anecdotes, which make it an entertaining read. In general, little in the way of specialised scientific knowledge is assumed, and most concepts are defined. There is sufficient technical detail for the serious reader without it being obtrusive, and an excellent bibliography is provided -- The Physicist, Keith Fifield, Department of Nuclear Physics, Australian National University, Vol.36, No.4, July/August, 1999

Edition details

• Publisher: Institute of Physics Publishing
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0750305576
• ISBN 13: 9780750305570
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 240