What is Luminescence? Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Sediment Context Collection Procedures

Welcome! You have entered the University of Illinois at Chicago Luminescence Dating Research Laboratory (LDRL) web site. People in this laboratory have decades of experience in developing and applying luminescence techniques to date a variety of Quaternary sediments from diverse depositional settings from every continent. Our focus is the judicious application of luminescence dating either independently or in concert with other dating methods to better understand Quaternary tectonic, climate, environmental, and cultural changes. The Laboratory also provides education through research experiences for undergraduate and graduate students, post-doctoral scholars and visitors.

On these pages you will find background information about optically stimulated luminescence dating, sedimentologic context and field sampling procedures, research dating services offered by the LDRL and other useful information for the Quaternary sciences and geochronology.

The Luminescence Dating Research Laboratory is pleased to be the host of the Fifth New World Luminescence Dating and Dosimetry Workshop ( NWLDDW ) to be held at the University of Illinois at Chicago, October 13 - 14, 2007. More information can be found here.

Digital elevation model (DEM) for the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado. This sand sea is a current focus of Quaternary and luminescence dating research. DEM prepared by Liliana Marin (UIC) People of LDRL standing in front of a digital elevation model of the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve by Liliana Marin (UIC)