1 : phosphorescence developed in a previously excited substance upon gentle heating. 2 : the determination of the age of old material (such as pottery) by the amount of thermoluminescence it produces.

What is the meaning of thermoluminescence?

Thermoluminescence (TL) is the process in which a mineral emits light while it is being heated: it is a stimulated emission process occurring when the thermally excited emission of light follows the previous absorption of energy from radiation.

How far back can thermoluminescence date?

50,000 years Its a very popular dating method in archaeology because not only can it date pottery, the type of material we find the most when excavating, but it can also date further back than 50,000 years unlike radiocarbon dating. That, and it much cheaper in comparison to other dating methods.