Use of luminescence dating in archaeology

TLDR

Luminescence dating has become a more reliable chronometric tool in archaeology thanks to methodological and instrumental advances, with routine ceramic dating proven accurate, though sediment dating remains challenging due to zeroing uncertainty and mixed deposits. The study aims to apply ceramic luminescence dating to resolve chronological problems where other methods lack direct dating capability. The authors address these issues by isolating likely zeroed signals and dating single aliquots and ultimately single grains. Single‑grain dating can identify and date mixed deposits and yield insights into site‑formation processes, which is crucial for assessing site integrity at controversial locations.

Abstract

With improvements in methodology and instrumentation, luminescence dating is becoming a much more useful chronometric tool in archaeology. Procedures for dating ceramics are relatively routine and their accuracy has been demonstrated in a number of studies. Research is aimed at applying ceramic dating in situations where other methods lack the direct dating ability of luminescence to resolve chronological problems. Sediment dating is more difficult because of uncertainty in the extent of zeroing or because of mixtures of different aged deposits. These problems have been addressed by isolating signals most likely to be zeroed and by dating single aliquots, and ultimately single grains. Single-grain dating now has the potential not only to identify and date mixed deposits but to provide valuable information on site formation processes. This is particularly critical for judging site integrity at controversial sites.