Regression analysis of ESR/TL dose-response data

Abstract

Methods are described for the analysis of ESR (electron spin resonance) or TL (thermoluminescence) dose-responce data. When fitting data to a straight line, an expression is derived which allows the error in the accumulated dose, AD, to be estimated. For fitting data to a saturating exponential, the simplex algorithm with quadratic convergence is proposed. This allows the errors in the parameters, including the AD, to be estimated. An alternative method for estimating the parameter errors, using analytical expressions for the required partial derivatives, is also described. These techniques are more satisfactory than jackknifing for estimating uncertainties in ADs.