Radiopurity assay of archaeological lead and related compounds for astroparticle physics by mass spectrometry and gamma-ray spectrometry.

A novel and rapid method is introduced for determining thorium (Th) and uranium (U) concentrations in archaeological lead and related compounds to be used in astroparticle physic. This method involves chromatographic pre-concentration and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Combined data from mass spectrometry and gamma-ray spectrometry measurements are presented. Excellent results were achieved in terms of reliability and sensitivity (ngˑkg-1), even without introducing Th and U isotopes as tracers.