Optically stimulated luminescence cross-dating from quartz of different grain size

Authors

  • Rosaria Galvagno University of Catania
  • Alessia D'Anna University of Catania
  • Agata Di Stefano University of Catania
  • Francesca La Perna University of Catania
  • Graziana Mendosa University of Catania
  • Giuseppe Politi University of Catania
  • Giuseppe Stella University of Catania
  • Anna Maria Gueli University of Catania

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21014/actaimeko.v12i4.1523

Keywords:

subtraction dating, dosimetric accuracy tests, partial bleaching test, age equations

Abstract

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signals from quartz can be used to determine when a sample was last exposed to sunlight. The total specific energy (dose) absorbed since the last resetting is measured using OSL, and divided by the rate of storage (dose rate) to give the time elapsed from the last heating or daylight exposure. The general equation used to determine the age in luminescence dating is given by the ratio between the Equivalent Dose (ED) and the Annual Dose rate (AD). The ED, measured using luminescence signals, is the total absorbed dose starting from the last "zero event" while the AD, evaluated by in situ and extra situ radioactivity measurements, represents the rate at which energy is absorbed from natural radioactivity present in the sample and in the environment. Evaluation of the environmental dose rate component becomes a crucial point in dating since particular conditions of the site (heterogeneity, lack of structure...) could make age measurement inaccurate. In this work, the conditions for applicability of subtraction dating are tested on a sediment of known age; it allows an age determination that is independent of knowledge of the environmental dose-rate.

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Published

2023-11-21

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 4 (2023)

Section

Research Papers

License

Copyright (c) 2023 Rosaria Galvagno, Alessia D'Anna, Agata Di Stefano, Francesca La Perna, Graziana Mendosa, Giuseppe Politi, Giuseppe Stella, Anna Maria Gueli

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