Neutron activation analysis of archeological artifacts using the ISIS pulsed neutron source

Archeological artifacts can be analyzed after neutron irradiation at the pulsed ISIS and muon source, UK, using a newly installed high purity germanium gamma ray spectrometer to perform activation analysis. In this work, details of measurement methods data analysis are presented. particular, it is explained how Monte Carlo calculations necessary evaluate detection efficiency, taking into account self-shielding effects. The results for two certified bronze standards good agreement between expected measured compositions promising use technique archeological where elemental concentration often unknown. As an example, Chinese sword from first or second century BC