Abstracto

Neutron-non-destructive assay of archaeological samples from La Tortuga island of Venezuela

L.Stevanato, G.Nebbia, F.Pino, M.M.Mackowiak de Antczak, A.Antczak, L.Sajo-Bohus, G.Viesti

Archaeological material from the Venezuelan island of La Tortuga is characterized by measuring the ratio of the attenuation of neutron and gamma rays from a 252Cf source. Moreover surface analysis by using X-ray fluorescence has been also performed. The classification using the 252Cf source allows one to obtain the average atomic number of the sample, avoiding problems due to the patina that some time covers the surface of ancient ceramics. The potentiality of the method is discussed also in view of future mobile systems using this technique.