Luminescence as a Relative Dating Tool: Part A – Theory

Abstract

A formula is derived for calculating relative numerical ages of ceramic vessels using optically stimulated luminescence (OSL). These relative numerical ages may be generated when the standard absolute numerical ages cannot be determined; this is usually because a component of the dose rate such as the external dose rate cannot be measured or deduced. The error associated with this relative age formula is derived. It is shown that, where external dose rate information is unavailable, the error in the relative age that results from this lack of information is much smaller than the equivalent error in the absolute age.