Application of TL as a geochemical sensor

Two-dimensional thermoluminescence (TL) and spectroscopy of rock samples were measured to identify a mass transport front in rock matrix. Samples were selected from the Kamaishi Mine including the hydrothermal mineral veins and the surrounding altered zone. Results showed some different distribution of TL intensity between the altered and unaltered zones. Minerals in the altered zone showed stronger TL than those in the unaltered zone, and different phenomena for wavelength could be observed between them. Therefore, it could possibly be shown that TL can be used as a chemical sensor, which identifies mass change (transport front in rocks), by using these TL methods.