Variations in Luminescence Sensitivity of Various Quartz Samples from Southwestern Nigeria

This research was undertaken to investigate the sensitivity of Thermoluminescence (TL), Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) and Infra-Red Stimulation Luminescence (IRSL) of twelve (12) quartz samples from different locations in the Southwestern part of Nigeria. This was done with a motive to survey the provenance suitability of each one of them for luminescence dating. All the luminescence measurements on the 12 quartz sample were carried out using a RISØ TL/OSL read (model TL/OSL-DA-15). Each of the samples displayed different range of luminescence responses to the same test dose. The sensitivity of the TL and OSL did not follow identical pattern for all the samples but that of LM-OSL and CW-OSL demonstrated nearly identical pattern. Feldspar inclusion was identified to be responsible for the deviation of the sensitivity of OSL from that of TL. Effect of feldspar inclusion seemed passive in TL but highly active in OSL; most especially fast component. The significant of feldspar inclusion in SAR protocols was stressed. Further studies on the samples at varying test doses may improve the understanding of the behavior of these samples.