Depletion of the quartz OSL signal using low photon energy stimulation

Abstract

For a given excitation photon energy, the rate of charge detrapping in quartz increases with sample temperature. This phenomenon is termed 'thermal assistance' and has been documented in a number of studies (see for example Spooner, 1994; Huntley et al., 1996; Bailey et al. 1997; Bailey 1998). An obvious consequence of this effect is that low photon energies can stimulate luminescence when sample temperature is sufficiently high. The work reported below assesses whether the signal observed from one particula quartz sample during low photon energy stimulation (at raised tempreature) relates to the signal observed under blue+green stimulation. The possibility of inadvertent signal depletion ue to laboratory 'safe lighting' is also discussed.