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ESR Detection of Fossil Alpha Damage in Quartz

Abstract

WHILE investigating thermoluminescence (TL) dating1–8, using electron spin resonance (ESR) detection in quartz, I noted a natural signal which was not regenerated by 60Co gamma ray doses as high as 107 r after annealing at 500° C (ref. 9). Accumulated lattice damage caused by traces of uranium and thorium10 seems to be responsible.

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MCMORRIS, D. ESR Detection of Fossil Alpha Damage in Quartz. Nature 226, 146–148 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1038/226146b0

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