Synchrotron X-ray Microprobes: An Application on Ancient Ceramics

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