Prompt gamma activation analysis and time of flight neutron diffraction on 'black boxes' in the 'Ancient Charm' project

The aim of the 'Ancient Charm' project is combining neutron tomography, prompt gamma activation analysis, time of flight neutron diffraction and neutron resonance transmission to generate elemental, and phase compositions of complex museum objects in 3D. To develop a protocol for such investigations, complex test samples were constructed and then analyzed by each method. The 'black boxes' are sealed iron and aluminum walled cubes, containing 2D or 3D arrangements of materials relevant for the compositions of archaeological samples. The experimental results obtained from bulk PGAA at BNC and TOF-ND at ISIS on two selected boxes are reported. (author)