Determination of optimum conditions for INAA of archaeological clay figurines

In order to obtain sufficiently accurate results for the provenance characterization of ceramic objects, the error risks are studied at each step of the instrumental neutron activation analysis. The homogeneity of clay figurines and the reproducibility of the analytical process are tested. For the sampling, a weight of 100 mg is enough to obtain significant results. The use of the 'K0 Standardization Method' and a well specified position during the radioactive measurements, improve the precision of the element determinations. The experimental conditions chosen are described and the accuracy of the method is tested on international standards. (author) 14 refs.; 1 fig.; 7 tabs