NATIONAL RESEARCH CENTRE ON HUMAN EVOLUTION

Luminescence dating is based on the principle that materials containing radioactive isotopes (E.G., U, Th, K) or sitting next to radioactive sources, are subjected to low levels of radiation. In minerals, this leads to ionization of atoms and freed electrons may become trapped in crystal defects. TL, OSL dating techniques are used in quartz and feldspar grains and has a time range from 1 ka to around 1 My. The protocols and applicability of the method are advancing fields and the technique has great potential in Quaternary studies.

(C) National Research Centre on Human Evolution, 2006-2010