Synchrotron X-ray Microprobes: An Application on Ancient Ceramics

Abstract

Synchrotron X-ray µ- and nano-probes are increasingly affirming their relevance in cultural heritage applications, especially in material characterization of tiny and complex micro-samples which are typical from archaeological and artistic artifacts. For such purposes, synchrotron radiation facilities are tailoring and optimizing beamlines and set-ups for CH, taking also advantages from the challenges offered by the third-generation radiation sources. In ancient ceramics studies, relevant information for the identification of production centers and manufacture technology can be obtained in a non-invasive and non-destructive way at the micro-sample level by combining different SR based methods. However, the selection of appropriate beamlines, techniques and set-ups are critical for the success of the experiments. Fine and varnished wares (e.g., Attic and western-Greek colonial products) are an excellent case study for exploring challenges offered by synchrotron X-ray microprobes optimized to collect microchemical and phase-distribution maps. The determination of provenance and/or technological tracers is relevant in correctly classifying productions, often based only on ceramic paste, gloss macroscopic features or style. In addition, when these vessels are preserved in Museums as masterpieces or intact pieces the application of non-invasive approach at the micro sample is strictly required. Well-designed synchrotron µXRF and µXANES mapping experiments are able providing relevant clues for discriminating workshops and exploring technological aspects, which are fundamental in answering the current archaeological questions on varnished Greek or western-Greek colonial products.

X-ray Synchrotron Radiation to Look at Pigments in Antiquities: Overview and Examples

“…X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) is one of the most widely used techniques, allowing mapping of the distribution of chemical elements and their colocalization at the micro-and sub-microscale, with micro-or nanofocused beams [10,11]. In addition, under specific conditions, it allows quantitative determination [12][13][14].…”

Contribution of X-ray Fluorescence Techniques in Cultural Heritage Materials Characterization

“…Last, but of great interest, is a paper regarding synchrotron X-ray µand nano-probes applied to CH materials, in particular to ancient ceramics study [8]. Fine and varnished wares are the case study for exploring challenges offered by synchrotron X-ray microprobes optimized to collect microchemical and phase-distribution maps, capable of providing relevant clues for discriminating workshops and exploring technological aspects, which are fundamental in answering the current archaeological questions on ceramic findings.…”