Integration of neutron-based elemental analysis and imaging methods and applications to cultural heritage research. (August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Szentmiklósi, László; Maróti, Boglárka; Kis, Zoltán; Kasztovszky, Zsolt
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 20(2018)
• Page Start: 476
• Page End: 482
• Publication Date: 2018-08
• Subjects: Non-destructive elemental analysis -- Prompt-gamma activation imaging -- Neutron imaging -- PGAI-NT -- NIPS-NORMA station -- Handheld XRF; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Research -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2018.06.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-409X

Abstract

Abstract: The present paper describes the merits of the combined neutron-based elemental analysis and neutron imaging techniques, called prompt-gamma activation imaging – neutron tomography (PGAI-NT), and illustrates its application to cultural heritage science with relevant case studies. The approach is proven to be best applicable to samples with corroded/layered/gilded/painted/coated structures where the surface weighted response would bias the analysis results obtained with simpler, more widespread, but less representative techniques (such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy or laser-ablation ICP-MS), as well as to answer questions related to the inner composition of a sealed object. Highlights: Integration of neutron imaging and elemental analysis functionalities into a single instrument. Synergetic effects of the multi-technique approach at the data interpretation stage Non-destructive analysis of archaeological iron, bronze and pottery was completed