Great news from the World of Industry, Technology & Science (WoTS) 2026. SCAR C14 has won the High Tech Trophy 2026 in the World of Laboratory category. This recognition highlights the technology behind this C14 measurement equipment and a new approach to measuring radiocarbon.
Why did SCAR C14 receive the High Tech Trophy?
The SCAR method, Saturated-Absorption Cavity Ring-Down spectroscopy, is a laser-based technique for detecting radiocarbon. A sample is first combusted to convert the carbon it contains into CO₂. Spectroscopic detection is then used to measure the signal of the ¹⁴CO₂ molecule.
With the 14C SCAR detector from NC Technologies, laboratories can perform these measurements in-house. This means that an external AMS facility is not required for 14C analysis. Laboratories can therefore incorporate radiocarbon measurements into their own analytical workflow and reduce analysis times.
This development in the way laboratories can measure C14 was at the heart of the recognition at WoTS 2026.
What does this development mean for 14C analysis?
14C analysis can be used to distinguish carbon from recent biological sources from fossil carbon. Biomass contains a characteristic amount of carbon 14, while fossil resources such as petroleum, coal and natural gas contain virtually no radiocarbon. Measuring C14 can therefore be used to determine the biogenic carbon fraction of a material.
This creates opportunities for research and analysis involving biobased materials, fuels, plastics, waste streams and chemical products. The technology can, for example, be used to verify renewable feedstocks and determine the biogenic fraction in different material streams.
This recognition draws further attention to the development of this new approach to C14 measurement.
Which collaboration is behind SCARC14?
The development of SCAR C14 has been supported by the collaboration with PPQSense S.R.L. and NC Technologies. We would like to thank both parties for their contribution to this technology. Receiving the High Tech Trophy at WoTS2026 recognises the innovation behind SCARC14 and the opportunities this approach to C14 measurement offers for future applications.
Want to learn more about the technology and its applications in radiocarbon analysis? Read more about the 14C SCAR from NC Technologies.