Neutron activation analysis and provenance research in archaeology

Abstract

Neutron activation analysis is a powerful quantitative analytical technique with application in a broad range of disciplines such as agriculture, archaeology, geochemistry, health and human nutrition, environmental monitoring and semiconductor technology. Due to its excellent sensitivity, great accuracy and precision, and versatility, the technique is a suitable method for analysing many different types of samples. Archaeologists, in particular, have made extensive use of neutron activation analysis for the purpose of characterizing archaeological materials and determining their provenance. This paper presents a brief history of the technique and its application to archaeology, describes the physics behind the analytical method, and explains how the method is generally employed to determine the sources of archaeological materials.

Rock varnish on architectural stone: microscopy and analysis of nanoscale manganese oxide deposits on the Smithsonian Castle, Washington, DC

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Relaciones Cerámicas Y Sociales Entre San Pedro De Atacama Y El Loa Superior Durante El Período Intermedio Tardío a Través Del Análisis De Fluorescencia De Rayos X Portátil

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Scientific research on historic Asian ceramics : proceedings of the Fourth Forbes Symposium at the Freer Gallery of Art

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