Modelling quartz luminescence signal dynamics relevant for dating and dosimetry

• Applicant: Privatdozent Dr. Christoph Schmidt
• Subject Area: Physical Geography
• Term: from 2015 to 2019
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 279969851

Both thermally stimulated (TL) and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) of quartz are important dating techniques in archaeology and Earth-Sciences. For obtaining reliable and precise dating results, a profound understanding of the complex processes of charge transfer in the crystal lattice is essential. Recent kinetic quartz luminescence models significantly contribute to adapting existing theories to experimental observations, by simulating quartz luminescence behaviour for different scenarios (e.g., sedimentary history, laboratory measurement conditions). Although the variety of diverse existing quartz models partially appear to succeed in simulating realistic TL and OSL signals, quartz radiofluorescence (RF, luminescence emitted during ionizing irradiation) behaviour differs substantially from model predictions. This project aims at further developing and improving "traditional" kinetic as well as stochastic ("Monte Carlo") models towards an integrated and more comprehensive model capable of reproducing a much wider range of observed luminescence phenomena (e.g., RF signal dynamics, change in peak emission wavelength with measurement temperature) as well as reflecting the range of different luminescence behaviour observed among quartz samples from different geological or geographical origin and with various sedimentary history.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France, USA
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Sebastian Kreutzer
• Cooperation Partners: Professorin Dr. Regina DeWitt; Professor Dr. Markus Fuchs