How to visualize quartz OSL signal components

The optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) signal of natural quartz measured under constant stimulation power (CW-OSL) is a featureless decay curve where underlying components cannot be identified easily. Visual interpretation of quartz OSL signals is easier if signals are shown in spectrum-like form. This can be achieved either through ramped stimulation, or by transforming a measured CW-OSL curve into a pseudo OSL curve. We show that both give similar results, but that transformation should be preferred as CW-OSL provides best signal-to-noise ratios. We present different transformation methods to obtain pseudo OSL curves and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method. In addition, we show that different pseudo OSL transformations can be used to emphasize specific aspects of the OSL signal. We conclude that transformation of CW-OSL to pseudo hyperbolically modulated OSL provides the most useful visualization of the quartz fast OSL component. Pseudo parabolic modulated OSL is the transformation of choice for showing the slow component(s). The pseudo OSL curves can be used for rapid visual inspection of the relative contribution of the OSL components prior to further analysis.

► Quartz OSL signals in spectrum-like form show the components enhanced.
► Transformation of CW-OSL signals should be preferred over LM-OSL.
► Different transformations can be used to obtain visual representations.
► Pseudo hyperbolically (HM) modulated OSL is most suitable.
► Pseudo OSL curves can be used for rapid visual inspection prior to further analysis.