Neutron activation analysis and provenance research in archaeology

Abstract

Neutron activation analysis is a powerful quantitative analytical technique withapplication in a broad range of disciplines such as agriculture, archaeology,geochemistry, health and human nutrition, environmental monitoring andsemiconductor technology. Due to its excellent sensitivity, great accuracy andprecision, and versatility, the technique is a suitable method for analysing manydifferent types of samples. Archaeologists, in particular, have made extensive useof neutron activation analysis for the purpose of characterizing archaeologicalmaterials and determining their provenance. This paper presents a briefhistory of the technique and its application to archaeology, describes thephysics behind the analytical method, and explains how the method isgenerally employed to determine the sources of archaeological materials.