On the analysis of complex thermoluminescence. Glow-curves: Resolution into individual peaks

A method for estimating the number and position of individual thermoluminescence (TL) peaks within a complex glow-curve is described. The method involves partially heating the sample to a temperature TStop cooling to room temperature and re-heating to record all of the remaining glowcurve. The position of the first maximum TM in the glow-curve is recorded. A plot is then made of TM versus TStop from which the approximate positions of the most prominent TL peaks can be estimated. The TM–TStop curve exhibits a characteristic „staircase” shape in which each flat region corresponds to an individual peak. The trapping parameters for the individual peaks may be estimated by combining the TM–TStop procedure with computerised curve-fitting of the glowcurve. The method is illustrated by experimental examples on glow-curves from LiF (TLD-100) and from meteorites.