Combined prompt gamma activation and neutron diffraction analyses of historic metal objects and limestone samples

Two non-destructive neutron techniques have been used for the analysis of archaeological objects, among them English monumental brass plates, Dutch tin-lead spoons, a Roman leaded bronze fibula and several limestone samples. Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis (PGAA) is a non-destructive method for determination of the major and trace element compositions of various archaeological materials. Time-Of-Flight Neutron Diffraction (TOF-ND), on the other hand, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool for obtaining structural information from ceramic and metal objects. The element information (PGAA) holds the key information for addressing questions of provenance and authentication, whereas the structure information (TOF-ND) addresses questions of ancient materials and making techniques. Here we present data from those two complementary neutron methods, applied to different types of materials and artefacts, in order to highlight commonalities and differences