Optically stimulated luminescence dating of pottery from Turkey

In this study, the potential of optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dat ing for archaeological potteries was investigated. Firstly, recently purcha sed OSL and alpha counter systems were calibrated. Then, archaeological she rds taken from Datca-Burgaz (Mugla, Turkey) archaeological site of archaic and classical period (700-400 BC) were dated. Samples were prepared by the fine grain technique and paleodose was found by using the additive dose tec hnique. The annual doses of uranium and thorium were determined by using th e alpha counter. The potassium, which has no alpha activity, was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The age of the sherds was found to be 2 340 +/- 190 years which is in good agreement with the archaeological eviden ce involving figurines and coins obtained in the same level. (C) 2000 Elsev ier Science B.V. Ail rights reserved.