The significant improvement of the OSL dating method in recent years makes it applicable to objects ranging in age from 0 to 150 000 years (in some cases to 300 000 or more) with a typical accuracy between 5 and 10%.

How does OSL dating work?

Optically-Stimulated Luminescence is a late Quaternary dating technique used to date the last time quartz sediment was exposed to light. Once this sediment is deposited and subsequently buried, it is removed from light and is exposed to low levels of natural radiation in the surrounding sediment.

What is the difference between OSL and TL?

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) and thermoluminescence (TL) are similar techniques widely used in radiation dosimetry. The main difference between these techniques is the stimulus to induce luminescence emission: TL technique uses thermal stimulation, whereas OSL uses optical stimulation.

What is OSL mode?

The mechanism of OSL involves illumination of an irradiated crystal with a specific wavelength of light to initiate the movement of charge trap sites to luminescent centers. The basic difference is the stimulant, light versus heat. McKeever (2001) presented an excellent review of the various light stimulation modes.

How far back can thermoluminescence go?

Scientists can determine how many years have passed since a ceramic was fired by heating it in the laboratory and measuring how much light is given off. Thermoluminescence dating has the advantage of covering the time interval between radiocarbon and potassium-argon dating, or 40,000–200,000 years.

How low of a value will an OSL dosimeter read?

Unlike a TLD, OSL dosimeters can be reread multiple times. will be a decrease of signal of less than one percent in a second reading. Used OSL badges are often archived for several years. No fading except in extreme temperatures.