Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL)

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) is a technique used to date archaeological and geological samples by measuring trapped electrons in mineral crystals, such as quartz or feldspar. When these minerals are exposed to natural radiation over time, electrons become trapped in specific energy sites. In OSL, shining a light on the sample releases these electrons, causing the minerals to emit a small amount of glow or luminescence. By measuring this light, scientists can determine how long it has been since the mineral was last exposed to sunlight or heat, effectively establishing the age of the sample.