Who We Are and Our Facilities

François Thil is a CNRS research engineer and head of the ¹⁴C Dating Research Laboratory – ECHoMICADAS, where he holds primary technical responsibility. A specialist in geochronology and environmental tracer analysis, he operates the ECHoMICADAS accelerator mass spectrometer and its associated systems. A driving force behind technological developments for ultra-small sample measurements, he plays a key role in acquiring new equipment and in developing rigorous methods for processing raw MICADAS data, designing algorithms that convert measurements into robust and reliable ages. His expertise is central to expanding the laboratory’s capabilities across all areas of activity. Scientifically, his work focuses mainly on projects concerning ocean circulation and modern fluvial environments.

Christine Hatté is a CEA senior research scientist and the scientific correspondent of the ¹⁴C Dating Research Laboratory – ECHoMICADAS. She is also a professor at the Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Poland. A trained chemist (ENS Chimie Rennes), she earned a PhD in Earth Sciences (Université Paris-Sud) and a habilitation to supervise research in Meteorology and Physical Oceanography (Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin). Her research focuses on paleoclimates, soil carbon dynamics, and the archaeology of early settlements in South America. Trained in ¹⁴C beta counting, she has been actively involved in AMS radiocarbon research since the 2000s. She serves as associate editor for the international journals Radiocarbon and Geochronology and is also engaged in training, public outreach, and the development of best practices in radiocarbon dating.

Nadine Tisnérat‑Laborde is a CEA engineer-researcher. A trained chemist (ENS Chimie Toulouse) with a PhD in Geosciences and Environment (Université Paris‑Sud), she specializes in the preparation and analysis of radiocarbon by accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). She has developed innovative pretreatment protocols for complex matrices, including bones (via the ninhydrin reaction) and biogenic carbonates, ensuring reliable and precise dating. Co‑author of studies on marine reservoir effects and ocean-atmosphere exchanges in the Atlantic, she applies her expertise to the reconstruction of past marine environments. Deeply involved in the analysis of micro-samples, she continuously pushes the limits of ¹⁴C dating, notably benefiting chronological studies of parietal art.

Emmanuelle Casanova is a CEA engineer‑researcher. A trained chemist (ENS Chimie Lille) with a PhD in organic geochemistry applied to archaeology (Bristol University), she recently joined LSCE. An expert in organic geochemistry applied to archaeology, she has successfully developed ¹⁴C dating methods on lipids extracted from pottery using preparative gas chromatography (CSRA), effectively eliminating contaminations from solvents, “memory effects,” and stationary phases. She is the recipient of an ERC Starting Grant (2024) for the AgroChrono project, focused on the emergence of agro-pastoralism in Indo-Iran, combining biogeochemistry, chronology, paleoenvironment, and ¹⁴C molecular analyses. Deeply engaged in methodological research, she organizes international workshops on CSRA dating protocols and supervises PhD students and postdocs within the AgroChrono project.

Brian Phouybanhdyt is a UVSQ assistant engineer. Specializing in the chemical preparation of samples for radiocarbon dating, he has contributed to the development of advanced chemical procedures used upstream of ¹⁴C measurements on ECHoMICADAS, optimizing analytical precision across a wide range of materials. He has notably improved cellulose extraction protocols and supervised a project on the extraction of proteins from snail shells.

Sarah Sifi is a Chemistry undergraduate (BUT) student at the University of Créteil and is currently completing a work-study placement at LSCE. Her supervised project focuses on comparing preparation protocols applied to very small samples for radiocarbon dating.

Anaïs Correia is a chemistry technician on a fixed-term contract at LSCE. She ensures the proper maintenance of the chemistry laboratories and spaces dedicated to sample preparation. Her role is essential for guaranteeing the quality and reliability of ¹⁴C measurements carried out in the laboratory.

Soleine Riausset is a chemistry assistant‑engineer and a member of the ERC AgroChrono project. She is responsible for the preparation of samples related to this project, thereby contributing to the accuracy of radiocarbon datings essential for reconstructing agro-pastoral practices.

Abdé-Samaad Djebour is a PhD student at LSCE, affiliated with the ERC AgroChrono project led by Emmanuelle Casanova.

Chemistry laboratories under positive pressure, equipped with dedicated workstations, ensure a continuous flow of dust-free fresh air and prevent the risk of cross-contamination.

Manual vacuum lines for converting samples into CO₂: through acid attack for carbonate, acid extraction for dissolved inorganic carbon, or by combustion with pure O₂ for organic materials.

An automated system for the combustion and reduction of organic samples into graphite (EA-AGE3), designed for large samples (> 500 µg C).

An automated vacuum line for the reduction of CO₂ (e.g., from DIC extraction) into graphite.

A gas chromatograph equipped with a fraction collector (Prep-GC-FC) to separate, purify, and concentrate target molecules (after extensive preparative chemistry 🙂)

An elemental analyzer coupled to the instrument’s gas source for the combustion of organic samples, designed for small samples (< 200 µg C).

A system for carbonates, coupled to the measurement equipment’s gas source, for carbonate hydrolysis and acid extraction of dissolved inorganic carbon, designed for small samples (< 200 µg C).

EPATANT

Our “magic” balance, which automatically weighs some of the many standards that accompany the samples.

ECHoMICADAS

Our prized instrument! A versatile measurement system allowing sample introduction in gas form (CO₂, < 200 µg C) or solid form (C, > 500 µg C).