Testing the performance of an EMCCD camera in measuring single-grain feldspar (thermo)luminescence in comparison to a laser-based single-grain system

Risø laser-based luminescence readers (XY) are well-established in measuring single-grain luminescence for dating and tracing purposes. The use of novel EMCCD cameras is upcoming within the luminescence community, but not common practice yet. In this study we optimize Risø EMCCD camera system settings for detecting single-grain feldspar luminescence and compare system performance to the XY system. We suggest approaches to avoid quartz window staining (which may cause blurred EMCCD images), and to remove Bremsstrahlung-induced spikes from EMCCD-derived decay curves. We show that aperture size has little effect on signal intensity and crosstalk, and that a signal integration Region Of Interest (ROI) of 450 μm diameter provides a good trade-off regarding signal intensity and crosstalk. Our comparison of the XY and EMCCD systems shows that the detection sensitivity and grain acceptance of both systems is similar in measuring feldspar grains. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the EMCCD system allows automated detection of single-grain feldspar thermoluminescence signals, providing new opportunities for sediment tracing and mineral identification.