Review and progress of OSL dating

Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) method dates the last bleached or thermal event of the sediments. Since its development in the 1980s, OSL dating has been improved significantly. Quartz and feldspar are mainly applied to conduct such dating. This paper aims to provide an overview of the OSL dating method for geoscientists who intend to use OSL dating for chronological control in which the sampling in the field can satisfy OSL chronologists. The general principles of the method are described, and the procedures of OSL dating from the field sampling to the age interpretation in the luminescence dating laboratory are recounted, which include sampling, pretreatment, equivalent dose (De) and dose rate determination. Recent methodical and technological progress and the development of new laboratory measurement procedures for obtaining the De have resulted in more widespread and more confident use of OSL for dating, and new luminescence signals are being investigated in order to extend the age range back by an order of magnitude from 100ka to 1Ma.