Luminescence dating comprises methods based on the ability of minerals such as quartz and feldspar to store energy from natural radiation and later release it as light. This release is triggered either by heating the sample (thermoluminescence, TL) or by light stimulation (optically stimulated luminescence, OSL).
The emitted light intensity reflects the accumulated radiation dose, allowing age determination. TL is mainly applied to heated materials such as pottery or bricks, whereas OSL is commonly used to date the last sunlight exposure of sediments.
Due to their high light sensitivity, samples must be handled under subdued red light.
A major drawback is the relatively large dating uncertainty compared to methods such as radiocarbon dating. But does this limitation make luminescence dating useless?
Let’s find out.
Susanne Lindauer (Mannheim): Luminescence Dating – the “Red-Light” Corner of Dating Methods
Location:
Victor-Franz-Hess-Hörsaal, Währinger Str. 17, 1. Stock Kavalierstrakt
Related Files
- Lindauer_21-05-2026.pdf 448 KB
