Annual dose measurement for luminescence dating in Salihli, Turkey

Determination of the annual dose level of an area is one of the most important parameters in calculating the geological and archaeological age of the sample using luminescence techniques. Therefore, the concentrations of the natural radionuclides in soils and samples have to be determined since naturally occurring radioactivity provides a major contribution to the annual dose. In this study, the annual dose level of Salihli, Turkey, was determined with 2 different methods: an indirect method that involves the measurement of the concentrations of the naturally occurring radionuclides and a direct method in which thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLDs) are used. The concentrations of the natural radionuclides in soil samples were determined using HPGe ?-ray spectrometry. In the direct method, Al2O3:C thermoluminescence dosimeters were used. These dosimeters were chosen because of their high sensitivity and usability in dating studies. The results obtained from both methods were compared and discussed. © TÜBİTAK