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Application of 12 MeV proton activation to the analysis of archaeological specimens

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Abstract

12 MeV proton activation analysis is applied to a variety of archaeological specimens (glass, pottery, mortar and ivory) and its usefulness studied. The method is non-destructive and Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Y, Zr and Sb, ranging from percentage to parts per million (ppm) level were determined. The detection limits in archaeological glass for Ti, V, Cr, Fe, As, Sr, Y and Zr are at 1–10 ppm level; Cu, Zn and Sb at 20–35 ppm level, and Ca at 150 ppm level.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank Prof. M. Egg and Frau Dr. S. Greiff of Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum, Mainz for supplying Roman ivory and Roman glass (pale blue) specimens, respectively. Special thanks are due to Frau Dr. B. Heide and Frau Dr. E. Riemer of Landesmuseum, Mainz (Abteilung: Archäologie), for supplying the Roman glass (dark blue) specimen.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Michael-Mueller-Ring 29, 55128, Mainz, Germany

    Chaturvedula S. Sastri

  2. Institut für Geowissenschaften, Universität Mainz, 55099, Mainz, Germany

    Arun Banerjee

  3. CNRS-CEMHTI, Site Cyclotron, 3A Rue de la Ferollerie, 45071, Orleans-Cedex 2, France

    Thierry Sauvage, Blandine Courtois & Florian Duval

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  1. Chaturvedula S. Sastri
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  2. Arun Banerjee
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  3. Thierry Sauvage
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  4. Blandine Courtois
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  5. Florian Duval
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Correspondence to Chaturvedula S. Sastri.

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Sastri, C.S., Banerjee, A., Sauvage, T. et al. Application of 12 MeV proton activation to the analysis of archaeological specimens. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 308, 241–249 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-015-4313-0

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