Study of non-linear luminescence-dose growth curves for the estimation of paleodose in luminescence dating: Results of Monte Carlo simulations

In luminescence dating applications, non-linear luminescence versus dose growth curves are often observed. An experimental data scatter of 5-15% is commonplace and this causes difficulties in estimating the equivalent dose D-e and the error on the equivalent dose sigma(De). Two aspects need consideration: (a) What configuration of experimental parameters (such as maximum radiation dose and radiation dose intervals) should be chosen so as to minimize sigma(De)? and (b) How accurate are the estimates D-e and sigma(De) given by the non-linear parameter estimation procedure? To address these aspects, Monte Carlo simulations of a large number of saturating exponential growth curves were carried out for the three principal experimental methods commonly used for the estimation of equivalent dose, i.e. additive dose method, the regeneration or slide method and the partial bleach method. Additionally, third-order polynomial growth curves (as seen in some quartz) were also examined. In these studies, the influence of various experimental parameters such as the maximum irradiation dose D-max, the number of data points N-dat and the spacing of doses on D-e and sigma(De) were studied. Based on a synthesis of the simulation results, optimal values for the experimental parameters for the different methods are suggested. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.