INTRODUCTION The attractiveness of thermally and optically stim- ulated luminescence (TL and OSL) dating meth- ods is that they can be applied directly to envi- ronmental deposits usually considered barren of datable material, as well as to deposits laid down 29 Global Nest: the Int. J. Vol 2, No 1, pp 29-49, 2000 Copyright© 2000 GLOBAL NEST Printed in Greece. All rights reserved ADVANCES IN THERMO- AND OPTO-LUMINESCENCE DATING Part II: Applications University of the Aegean Department of Mediterranean Studies Laboratory of Archaeometry 1 Demokratias Ave., GR - 85100 Rhodes, Greece Received: 16/2/1998 e-mail: liritzis@rhodes.aegean.gr Accepted: 05/07/1999 tel/fax: +30-241-99320 ABSTRACT This review is about the state-of-the-art of the luminescence dating methods on environmental non- burnt materials formed mainly during the past quarter of a million years. It is focused particularly on the applications on sedimentary deposits, including materials related to cultural activities. It describes some major applications of TL, but mainly of the OSL on sedimentary deposits, whereas particular ref- erence is made to a special dating application in archaeology. Limitations and some problems of lumi- nescence dating methods are also mentioned, as well as guidelines for useful application of these lumi- nescence methods. The new applications of thermoluminescence (TL) and optical stimulated luminescence (OSL) / infrared stimulated luminescence (IRSL) dating (tephra, ceramics, sedimentary deposits) are demon- strated and the notable progress in understanding the limitations to accuracy, as well as the development of new techniques is reported. Only a few types of quaternary deposits can at present provide reliable TL dates. Suitable samples include fine loess, thin clayey layers in lacustrine deposits, clayey mud in off- shore or near-shore marine sediments, and organic-rich palaeosols developed in loess, lacustrine, fluvial or dune deposits. Dune sands are very promising, but greater reliability has yet to be demonstrated. For all such unheated sediments, the "partial bleach" method is the preferred and prudent technique to use. The OSL and IRSL dating of ceramic material seems to be well established, the dating of carved megalithic stone building needs more dating results for reconfirmation and the OSL, TL and IRSL of quartz and feldspar in sediments require more applications of known age samples. KEY WORDS: thermoluminescence, optical luminescence, minerals, quartz, feldspar, sediment, dose, bleaching, ceramics, megalithic IOANNIS LIRITZIS * in memoriam to late Dr Vagn Mejdahl, pioneer in dosimetry and dating, a wise and gentle colleague, friend and teacher. Review Article OF ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS (Sedimentary Deposits).