Rapid in situ assessment of luminescence-bleaching depths for deriving burial and exposure chronologies of rock surfaces

Recent developments in luminescence dating offer new ways to date exposure and burial durations of rocks. The rock surface methods ideally require high-resolution data, faster sample preparation measurement times, field screening select samples with appropriate characteristics bleaching histories. Presented here is a demonstration an EMCCD (electron multiplying charge coupled device) based system capable imaging infrared stimulated (IRSL) infrared-photoluminescence (IRPL) from samples. IRPL can be detected at both 880 nm 955 nm. Using this instrument, the entire luminescence-depth profile reconstructed by single cut perpendicular exposed face. We demonstrate possibility reconstructing profiles suitable for large (cm-scale) samples, without using regeneration dose normalisation natural signals. Based on different IRSL emissions nm, we show that it possible gain reliable estimates depths as few two images signal (one each emission), or decay curve. thus by-pass laborious preparations need gamma source estimate depth, thereby extending 2D technique other laboratories lack access ionising radiation facilities. This study also makes significant progression towards development instrument situ relative dating, dating.