Crustal Imaging and Characterization Team

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USGS Luminescence Dating Laboratory

Information for Prospective Thermoluminescence (TL) and Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Users

Introduction | Section I | Section II | Section III | Section IV | Section V | Other U.S. Labs

Introduction

Thank you for your interest in using the U.S. Geological Survey TL/OSL lab for sediment dating. In this information "booklet" there are several sections that you will find useful. Section I covers general TL and OSL methodology and assumptions, Section II covers dose rate (DR) calculations and how the elements are measured quantitatively, while Section III guides the reader through lab preparation of a sample and subsequent measurement of equivalent dose (DE).

Section IV reviews sampling in the field for TL and OSL and other material that may be dated using luminescence. Section V introduces quick and general facts about the technique range, explanations for differences in TL and OSL techniques, reasons why different luminescent techniques are applied to different depositional sample types and other labs to contact in the U.S. Some labs, other than the USGS lab, may be more helpful for archeological applications, may respond with a cheaper price or offer faster response time depending on the need for a particular analysis.

• Section I: General TL and OSL Methodology (and Assumptions)
• Section II: Dose Rates and How They Are Obtained
• Section III: Lab Prep and Equivalent Dose (DE) Analyses
• Section IV: How to Collect Samples for TL and OSL Dating
• Section V: Explanation for Differences in TL and OSL Techniques and Other Closing Comments

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URL: http://crustal.usgs.gov/laboratories/luminescence_dating/prospective.html
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