This article updates dose-rate conversion factors used in luminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) dating. The factors are derived from data from the National Nuclear Data Center of the Brookhaven National Laboratory, specifically from Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data Files (ENSDF) and Nuclear Wallet Cards. The updated factors are slightly higher than previously published, except for beta and gamma emissions from the U-series decay chains.
In luminescence and ESR dating, the age is calculated by dividing the palaeodose by the dose rate. The dose rate is determined by measuring the concentrations of radioelements or activity using various techniques. These concentrations are then converted to dose rates using conversion factors, which depend on the properties of the nuclear decays involved. Conversion factors have been calculated previously, such as by Nambi and Aitken (1986) or Adamiec and Aitken (1998), but a new dataset is now available, prompting an update.
The data used in this study were downloaded from the Chart of Nuclides and are based on ENSDF and Nuclear Wallet Cards. The updated conversion factors follow the approach of Adamiec and Aitken (1998). Tables 1, 2, and 3 present energy emission values and dose rate data for the Th, U decay series, and for potassium and rubidium, respectively. Notable differences between the new data and previous ones are observed in the U series, as updated values for certain radioelements have been published since 1998.
The dose-rate values are given for infinite matrices, secular equilibrium, and total radon escape. Table 2 includes dose rate data for natural uranium, taking into account isotopic abundances. The infinite matrix assumption implies homogeneity in absorption coefficients, and taking into account different absorption characteristics would require Monte Carlo modeling, which is beyond the scope of this paper.
The half-life of ⁴⁰K was recently reevaluated, resulting in a 2.3% lower value. The authors recommend using the updated conversion factors derived from the latest nuclear data for luminescence and ESR age calculations. The update may affect the final age calculation by a few percent, emphasizing the importance of minimizing systematic errors.This article updates dose-rate conversion factors used in luminescence and electron spin resonance (ESR) dating. The factors are derived from data from the National Nuclear Data Center of the Brookhaven National Laboratory, specifically from Evaluated Nuclear Structure Data Files (ENSDF) and Nuclear Wallet Cards. The updated factors are slightly higher than previously published, except for beta and gamma emissions from the U-series decay chains.
In luminescence and ESR dating, the age is calculated by dividing the palaeodose by the dose rate. The dose rate is determined by measuring the concentrations of radioelements or activity using various techniques. These concentrations are then converted to dose rates using conversion factors, which depend on the properties of the nuclear decays involved. Conversion factors have been calculated previously, such as by Nambi and Aitken (1986) or Adamiec and Aitken (1998), but a new dataset is now available, prompting an update.
The data used in this study were downloaded from the Chart of Nuclides and are based on ENSDF and Nuclear Wallet Cards. The updated conversion factors follow the approach of Adamiec and Aitken (1998). Tables 1, 2, and 3 present energy emission values and dose rate data for the Th, U decay series, and for potassium and rubidium, respectively. Notable differences between the new data and previous ones are observed in the U series, as updated values for certain radioelements have been published since 1998.
The dose-rate values are given for infinite matrices, secular equilibrium, and total radon escape. Table 2 includes dose rate data for natural uranium, taking into account isotopic abundances. The infinite matrix assumption implies homogeneity in absorption coefficients, and taking into account different absorption characteristics would require Monte Carlo modeling, which is beyond the scope of this paper.
The half-life of ⁴⁰K was recently reevaluated, resulting in a 2.3% lower value. The authors recommend using the updated conversion factors derived from the latest nuclear data for luminescence and ESR age calculations. The update may affect the final age calculation by a few percent, emphasizing the importance of minimizing systematic errors.