Luminescence Geochronology Lab

Environmental Dynamics and Spatial Analysis Group (EES-10)
Earth and Environmental Sciences Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory

Introduction to OSL dating at LANL

Research conducted in the EES-10 Luminescence Geochronology Lab (LGL) is directed towards advanced geologic applications of and technique development for luminescence dating. The research can provide critical temporal controls for a wide range of environmental and paleoenvironmental studies including but not limited to the impacts of energy development and weapons research operations at LANL.

Questions about OSL

What is OSL dating?

How does OSL datiing work?

Why OSL?

Advantages

Facilities at LANL

The Luminescence Geochronology Lab is affiliated with EES-10 the Environmental Dynamics and Spatial Analysis group and is located at TA-51. The LGL operates under low intensity sodium vapor lighting at all times to protect the integrity of field samples.

Research Equipment

The primary luminescence dating research instrument is the Risø DA-15 Automated TL/OSL Reader System equipped with single-grain measurement capacity (not shown in the photo). The system can be programed to conduct measurements on up to 48 individual sub-samples or thousands of individual sediment grains. Supporting equipment includes a Risø GM-25-5 Low-Level Beta Counting System and an Eberline E-600 Portable Radiation Detection System. In addition the LGL is fully equipped to prepare sediment samples for luminescence dating.

(Image courtesy of Risø National Laboratory of Denmark, Nuclear Safety Research Department)

Anticipated strengths of the LANL Luminescence Geochronology Lab

The LANL Luminescence Geochronology Lab is currently the only facility in the North America to have single-grain OSL measurement capacity. Members of the LGL can also draw upon the vast resources and expertise at LANL in the areas of environmental radiation monitoring and dosimetry.

Research Personnel

Dr. Kenneth Lepper - Postdoctoral Fellow | research statement | publications |

Dr. Cathy Wilson - TSM | research statement | publications |

Luminescence Geochronology Lab Research

Potential OSL Dating
Applications at LANL

Provide a geochronologic framework for a wide range of environmental research including: (i) sediment redistribution dynamics in local canyons, (ii) carbon sequestration in arid / semi-arid soils (iii) Be in the soil / sediment environment.

Pilot study to support geologic dates obtained from other techniques during an evaluation of seismic geohazards on the Pajarito Plateau.

External Collaborative Projects

S. Mahan (USGS), K. Lepper (LANL), and others. "Geochronology of environmental change as reflected by fluvial sedimentation dynamics at Chaco Canyon"

K. Lepper (LANL) and V. Whitley (Oklahoma State University). "A diagnostic analytical method for determining the depositional mode of sediments utilizing Neural Network Technology"

K. Lepper (LANL) and G. Scott (USDA). "Continued investigations of drought cycles in Central Oklahoma as reflected by eolian activity"

"Out of this World" Opportunities

Research into adaptation of OSL dating techniques for Mars applications including instrumentation development.

Luminescence dating was recently highlighted in a feature article, "Physics and Archaeology" in the October 2001 issue of Physics Today, a publication of the American Institute of Physics.

Read the Article

EES Focus Areas

EES Group Pages