Monostandard activation analysis of prehistoric copper objects

In order to compare the detection limits of neutron activation analysis and spectral analisys, a number of eneolitic and other copper cultural objects have been investigated. A number of 12 elements could be determined by NAA in a long irradiation run, the same number as in spectral analysis. Six elements have a detection limit an order of magnitude higher than that in spectral analysis and only three have a lower detection limit (Fe, Ni, Sn). If the irradiation time is increased 4 times, only tin remains with a lower detection limit. Other three elements (Hg, Cs, Se), which were not reported in spectral analysis, can be seen with high sensitivity. An average counting time of 1 hour seems to be enough for a satisfactory statistics. No chemical processing of the sample is needed, except a slight etching and washing before or after irradiation. It is concluded that monostandard NAA is a rather simple and reliable method with a higher sensitivity compared to the spectral method