Technical note: Darkroom lighting for luminescence dating laboratory

Abstract

Abstract. An optimal lighting setting for the darkroom laboratory is fundamental for the accuracy of luminescence dating results. Here, we present the lighting setting implemented in the new Luminescence Dating Research Laboratory at Stony Brook University, USA. In this study, we performed spectral measurements on different light sources and filters. Then, we measured the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signal of quartz and the infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) at 50 ∘C (IR50) as well as post-IR IRSL at 290 ∘C (pIR-IR290) signal of potassium (K)-rich feldspar samples exposed to various light sources and durations. Our ambient lighting is provided by ceiling fixtures, each equipped with a single orange light-emitted diode (LED). In addition, our task-oriented lighting, mounted below each wall-mounted cabinet and inside the fume hoods, is equipped with a dimmable orange LED stripline. The ambient lighting, delivering 0.4 lx at the sample position, induced a loss of less than 5 % (on average) in the quartz OSL dose after 24 h of exposure and up to 5 % (on average) in the IR50 dose for the K-rich feldspar samples, with no measurable effect on their pIR-IR290 dose. The fume hood lighting, delivering 1.1 lx at the sample position, induced a dose loss of less than 5 % in quartz OSL and K-rich feldspar IR50 doses after 24 h of exposure, with no measurable effect on their pIR-IR290 dose. As light exposure during sample preparation is usually less than 24 h, we conclude that our lighting setting is suitable for luminescence dating darkrooms; it is simple, inexpensive to build, and durable.