Effect of blue light bleaching in a high TL sensitivity natural quartz crystal

Abstract

The quartz dating can be performed from optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) or thermoluminescence signals (TL). The relationship between OSL and TL signals is important to ensure adequate measurement of luminescent signal. The bleaching effect on TL signals have been studied by various works. However, there is no consensus. This study investigates the effect of blue light bleaching in a natural quartz crystal whose TL signal can be recorded with test-doses lower than 1 Gy. As a result, it was found that blue light is capable to erode almost completely de first TL peak. The bleaching effect for TL peaks above 200 °C is limited. However, TL components peaked at 320 and 390 °C are more sensitive to blue light than the intermediate TL components peaking at 250 and 280 °C.