ESR dating of quartz grains: Evaluating the performance of various cryogenic systems for dosimetric purpose

We present the results of the first detailed comparative and quantitative study of various cryogenic systems that can be used for ESR measurements of quartz grains. Three experimental setups were tested: (i) a standard liquid nitrogen Variable Temperature Unit (VTU), operating at 90–100 K and used in most ESR dating studies; (ii) a helium-based VTU that can reach measurement temperatures as low as 15–20 K; and a (iii) finger dewar filled with liquid nitrogen operating at 77 K.