Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) is a technique used to date fossils in geological sediments through ionized radiation to determine the last time a mineral was exposed to sunlight.

What is OSL used to date?

Optically-Stimulated Luminescence OSL is an acronym for Optically-Stimulated Luminescence. Optically-Stimulated Luminescence is a late Quaternary dating technique used to date the last time quartz sediment was exposed to light. As sediment is transported by wind, water, or ice, it is exposed to sunlight and zeroed of any previous luminescence signal.

What does OSL measure?

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating or optical dating provides a measure of time since sediment grains were deposited and shielded from further light or heat exposure, which often effectively resets the luminescence signal (Fig. 1).

How does an OSL work?

Optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) is a process in which a pre-irradiated (exposed to ionizing radiation) material when subjected to an appropriate optical stimulation, emits a light signal proportional to the absorbed dose. The wavelength of the emitted light is the characteristic of the OSL material.