Prompt y-ray analysis using the internal monostandard method was applied to voluminous archaeological bronze mirrors produced in ancient China. Sn/Cu content ratios were determined nondestructivel 3, by this method. Furthermore, Au/Cu, As/Cu, and Sb/Cu content ratios were determined by means of measuring decay y-rays emitted from radioactive nuclides produced within samples via (n,y) reactions. It is clear that the Sn/Cu content ratios in bronze mirrors produced in the Sung era is smaller than in ones produced in between the Han and the Tung era.
NBAA (neutron beam activation analysis), which is a combination of PGAA and INAA by a single neutron irradiation, using an internal monostandard method is proposed as a very unique and promising method for the elemental analysis of voluminous and invaluable archaeological samples which do not allow even a scrape of the surface. It was applied to chinawares, Sueki ware, and bronze mirrors, and proved to be a very effective method for nondestructive analysis of not only major elements but also some minor elements such as boron that help solve archaeological problems of eras and sites of their production.
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