High-flux Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis Based Techniques for Non-destructive Elemental Analysis of Cultural Heritage Objects

Abstract

Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA) is a nuclear analytical technique suitable for non-destructive bulk analysis of precious archaeological objects. It is performed at several neutron centers all over the world, e. g. at the Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum at Garching near Munich, where the strongest cold-neutron beam is operated. PGAA is ideal for the analysis of the light elements being the main constituents of archaeological finds, while neutron activation analysis offers a complementary method for determining the trace elements, which method can also be performed in the strong beam at MLZ (in-beam NAA). PGAA can be combined with tomography and mapping to investigate the internal structure of complex objects. The technique has been successfully applied for a series of archaeological applications: provenance studies of clay crucibles, determination of trace chlorine in corroded iron objects and bronze sculptures, 3D reconstruction and elemental mapping of complex artifacts like vases and fibulae.