Thermoluminescence dating of ancient ceramics

Absolute dating by the thermoluminescence technique, rather than the relative dating previously aimed for, is possible if allowance is made for radiation attenuation effects. To do this the thermoluminescence measurements are made on crystalline inclusions separated out from the fine-grained clay matrix. These inclusions, which are usually quartz, are large enough for their average radiation dose from alpha particles originating in the clay matrix to be negligible. Since the uranium and thorium are carried predominantly in the clay matrix, the natural thermoluminescence acquired by the inclusions comes effectively only from the beta and gamma contributions. A preliminary test programme on known-age pottery fragments dating back to 8000 B. P. has given correct absolute ages to within ± 20%. (author)