Need Analyses?
Please contact us FIRST if you are interested in submitting samples for analysis to the lab. We can provide additional details for sampling techniques and methods specific to your project and research goals. Send a completed New Project Form to: tammy.rittenour@usu.edu.
BEFORE collecting OSL samples, please review the how to sample and applications sections of our website and read and follow the guides below (where applicable).
Guide to OSL Sample Collection
OSL Sampling Do's and Don'ts Guide
Nelson et al. 2015 User Guide for Luminescence Sampling
Each sample should contain the following information:
- Unique sample ID (avoid using OSL-1, OSL-2, ect)
- Depth below original geomorphic surface (in meters)
- Latitude and longitude (in decimal degrees, i.e. 47.4567, -112.1234)
- Estimated age and/or other age control
- Estimation of moisture content
- Stratigraphic relationships to other samples or other geochronology
- Photos, site descriptions, stratigraphic logs
A sample submittal form should accompany each sample submitted to our lab.
For SEDIMENT DATING:
Download the Sediment sample submittal sheet (pdf) to be submitted with sediment samples
For high volume projects (n>5) download and submit the Excel sample sheet (.xlsx)
For CORE SAMPLES:
For core samples, use this use the single core form (.xlsx) for cases where multiple samples were collected from one core.
Use the multiple core form (.xlsx) for when samples were collected from different cores.
For POTTERY DATING:
Download the POTTERY sample submittal sheet(pdf) or POTTERY sample submittal sheet(.xlsx) for high vol. projects
ANALYSES OFFERED
Please inform the lab of your analysis requested. We offer:
- Small-aliquot (multi-grain) quartz OSL
- Small-aliquot (multi-grain feldspar IRSL
- Single-grain quartz OSL
- Used for settings with incomplete zeroing (partial bleaching) and/or young samples (<1ka)
- Quartz OSL sensitivity
- For rock dating, please contact the lab for submittal instructions.
TURNAROUND TIME
Contact us about current turnaround times for analysis types and volumes. Typical turnaround times are 6-12 months depending on sample age, luminescence properties and number of samples.
RUSH rates (3-5 month turnaround) are available for a limited number of samples.
Please ask in advance to discuss this option. Costs for RUSH analysis are 2x the standard rates.
MAILING and PACKAGING
For packaging durability, do not ship in non-reinforced cardboard. Luminescence sample tubes and DR samples are heavy and cause thin cardboard boxes to rip open. If shipping in cardboard boxes, use smaller boxes and fewer samples per box to keep weight down. Hard-sided containers such as small coolers, toolboxes, and buckets, with lids taped shut, better protect samples during transport.
Send samples to:
USU Luminescence Lab
1770 North Research Parkway
Suite 123
North Logan, UT 84341
All samples should be labeled 'Light-sensitive mineral samples for geologic analysis. All material will be consumed in analysis. No monetary value'.
International samples: Send via international shipping company such as UPS, FedEx, DHL, TNT, do not use local postal service.
Email tracking number to tammy.rittenour@usu.edu.
COSTS and PAYMENT
Costs are $1,000 USD per small-aliquot sample and $1,500 USD per single-grain sample, ask for a quote to lock in the current rate.
Costs for RUSH analysis are 2x the standard rates.
Students receive a reduced rate per sample when they visit the lab to process their own samples. Contact Dr. Rittenour to ask about this option and rates.
Preferred method of payment is ACH, check, or wire transfer, and samples will be invoiced upon completion. Payment terms are net 30. We accept credit card payment for analyses through PayPal. A transaction fee will be applied to all PayPal payments, contact us for details.