9628349 Berger Feasibility tests are proposed for a new technology for dating volcanic glass shards in source-distal tephra beds. Optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) offers an alternative and potentially technically simpler means for luminescence dating. We propose to investigate the feasibility of employing green laser light to stimulate luminescence from glass shards. If large signals are observed in several samples, then to G-OSL age determinations will be carried out. A selection of 20-30 documented tephra samples will be used. Optical dating may be applicable to tephra over 300-400 ka, the present limit of TL dating of glass shards.
