The thick source alpha counting in TL and ESR dating is described. A major advantage of using this method for the determination of annual alpha dose is that

the counting rate can be put directly into the age equation

thus not necessary to go through calculations which involve Th and U concentrations and dose-rate conversion factors. When alpha coun-ting is used to assess the beta and gamma annual dose the equal Th and U activities must be assumed or the components of Th and U should be separated using the ’pairs’ technique.