Q-band studies of the ESR signal in tooth enamel

Tooth enamel is one of the most promising materials for electron spin resonance (ESR) dating because the X-band signal is large, easy to measure, and extremely stable. The mean lifetime at ambient temperature has been measured greater than the age of the Earth! However, the X-band spectrum in fossil...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Quaternary science reviews 2001-03, Vol.20 (5), p.1027-1030
Main Authors: Skinner, Anne R., Dennis Chasteen, N., Shao, Junlong, Blackwell, Bonnie A.B.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Tooth enamel is one of the most promising materials for electron spin resonance (ESR) dating because the X-band signal is large, easy to measure, and extremely stable. The mean lifetime at ambient temperature has been measured greater than the age of the Earth! However, the X-band spectrum in fossil teeth is, in fact, a composite of two signals that can be resolved if the sample is examined in the Q-band region. The relative size of the two signals appears to be a function of degree of fossilization; older teeth have a better-defined second signal. A study of the dependence of these signals on radiation dose, microwave power, and temperature strongly suggests that both signals are located in the hydroxyapatite crystal structures. As such, then, the X-band spectrum, measured at moderate modulation amplitude, is suitable for determining the age of fossil teeth.
ISSN:0277-3791
1873-457X
DOI:10.1016/S0277-3791(00)00066-4