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Paramagnetic resonance in tooth enamel created by ultraviolet light
Summary
Human tooth enamel develops paramagnetic centers after ultraviolet light exposure. These centers are similar to those used in dating and dosimetry, suggesting solar irradiation might affect these applications.
Area of Science:
- Dental research
- Radiation physics
- Geochronology
Background:
- Paramagnetic centers in tooth enamel are relevant for dating and dosimetry.
- Ultraviolet (UV) light can induce paramagnetic centers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of paramagnetic centers in human tooth enamel after UV irradiation.
- To assess the potential impact of solar irradiation on dating and dosimetry methods that utilize tooth enamel.
Main Methods:
- Irradiation of human tooth enamel samples with ultraviolet light.
- Analysis of electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra and thermal stability of induced paramagnetic centers.
Main Results:
- Paramagnetic centers were detected in human tooth enamel following UV irradiation.
- The observed ESR spectra and thermal stability matched those of ion radicals typically created by gamma-rays.
- The creation spectrum of these centers overlaps with the solar spectrum reaching Earth.
Conclusions:
- UV irradiation creates paramagnetic centers in tooth enamel with properties similar to gamma-ray induced centers.
- The overlap between UV-induced center creation spectra and solar spectrum raises questions about solar irradiation's influence on enamel-based dating and dosimetry.