Optically Stimulated Luminescence Dating (Instrument Design for Mars Applications)

Introduction: To examine the geological and climatic history on Mars, we investigate an instrument design for robotic, in-situ, Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating (OSL). In this paper, we discuss the basic concepts of OSL, its benefits, and how this technique can be utilized on Mars. Also presented are the vital electronics needed for an instrument design and some of their basic operational methods. Although much progress has been made in the possibility of creating an instrument to employ this technique, there is still much work to be done to meet the challenges of adapting OSL dating to the Mars surface. Basic Concepts of Luminescence Dating: Luminescence dating is a dosimetric method used to determine the depositional age of sediments. Ionizing radiation builds up energy as a function of time in defects in the crystalline structure of subsurface sediments. This stored energy can be released in the form of luminescence by either stimulation from light or intense heat. Due to the fact this process is sensitive to light, this phenomenon is exploited to estimate depositional ages of sediments. Different methods of luminescence dating use different stimulation sources, with each offering their own benefits. The focus, optically stimulated luminescence dating, involves the use of light as a stimulation source. Scientific benefits: The current exploration strategy for Mars is to carry out in-situ measurements by robotic instrumentation and to focus on evidence of life, climatic history and geological evolution. Currently, relative crater densities and the belief that the crater flux has been constant and similar to that of the moon is the only way of ordering events that have shaped the Mars surface (Kalchgruber et al. 2007). OSL dating techniques will be beneficial in giving age estimates of younger Martian terrains. From there, a chronology can be established for the geological features observed on Mars’ surface and further investigations of the history of water on Mars can be made. Observed features that are often associated with crater or canyon walls appear to show evidence of recent deposition events caused by surface water flow (McKeever et al., 2003). Martian gullies, believed to have been formed by flowing water, are currently a main point of interest. To conclude, OSL dating can be the deciding factor of present and future questions that are inquired about the Martian arena.