THERMOLUMINESCENCE
Functioning
The method is based on the ability of crystals such as quartz or feldspaths to cumulate the effects of natural radioactivity under the form of energy. Crystal heating liberates this energy under the form of luminescence, giving the name of thermoluminescence to this phenomenon. The light intensity is proportional to the time between the last crystal heating and the laboratory analysis: its measurement allows to find out the manufacturing age of an object having been heated in the past.
Use
This method enables, for example, the dating of the last heating of crystals in a ceramic or in stone kilns (flint, calcareous).
Globally it is possible to date all crystal-containing materials heated in the past.
Applications
In the search of authenticity, thermoluminescence can provide approached dating of art or Museum objects such as ceramics and other terracotta wares (earthenware, sandstone…) along with bronze cores.
ASA Laboratory & Expertises Francine Maurer
Thermoluminescence analysis report
