Themed collection Synchrotron Radiation in Art and Archaeology

Koen Janssens introduces the Synchrotron themed issue and provides an overview of the 7–10 November 2010 SR2A conference held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.

This investigation explored the possibilities of state-of-the-art technologies in order to improve the quality of radiographic images of paintings.

The fading of modern laboratory-synthesized and commercial Prussian blue, iron(III) hexacyanoferrate(II), based pigments in a linseed oil medium during exposure to light has been investigated.

A non-invasive time-of-flight neutron diffraction (TOF-ND) analysis has been performed on archaeological pottery fragments from the excavation sites in the “Strait of Messina” area (Sicily, Southern Italy).

Considers the attributes of a polycapillary-based Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Spectrometer, with a particular focus on Cultural Heritage applications.

Investigates the evolution of lead antimonate production during different periods of History, highlighting the different production techniques.

This article focuses on the use of LA-ICP-MS analysis as a new methodological approach for the chemical investigation of black crusts covering the stone surface of monuments and buildings.

A technique called Neutron Resonance Transmission Analysis is presented and applied to archaeological samples and museum objects.

Time of Flight Thermal Neutron Diffraction was used to quantitatively characterize ten Japanese blades.

A combined approach of neutron and x-ray micro-beam techniques lifts hidden secrets of a 3600 years old prestigious status symbol.

The origin of supposedly Lombard armours can be determined by analysing the micro-inclusions entrapped in their matrix. In this work, the coupling of LA-ICP-MS and confocal SR-µ-XRF permits to highlight the counterfeit.

The development of a new scanning macro-XRF instrument and its application to several historical paintings (15^th to 19^th century) are presented.

The analysis of fossil bone thin sections by FTIR microspectroscopy allowed the characterization of diagenetic alterations at the histological scale.

Integrated neutron-based and X-rays based measurements were performed on bronze archaeological findings form a pre-Roman settlement to investigate their composition in a non-destructive way.

Imaging of pigment distributions in paintings and hidden under paintings by High energy X-ray powder diffraction.

A marked decrease in the silver content of the alloy of Trajan's denarii between the years AD 99 and AD 100 could be observed

To further our understanding of the evolution of ceramic technology, we used a micro-X-ray beam to map the mineralogy and iron valence distribution of ceramic samples.

The non-destructive and micro-destructive multi-technique approach used to study ancient Sicilian samples provided information to fully characterize the decorated surface.

The use of microscopic X-ray diffraction for the study of HgS and its degradation products corderoite, kenhsuite and calomel in historical paintings.

The material composition and crystalline structures of Renaissance bronze sculptures have been analyzed by combining Neutron Imaging and Neutron Diffraction techniques using SScanSS, showing that these objects can be magnetic.

The aim of this study is the investigation of the chemical reactions during the formation of protrusions in a painting by Max Beckmann.

The finishing techniques of Renaissance bronze statuettes are examined using Time of Flight Neutron Diffraction in order to prove that bronze sculptures could be cast without afterworking using chasing tools.

Ancient phosphorus-containing iron-based alloys are often reported to be strongly resistant toward corrosion. In this study, micro-XANES spectra highlight phosphorus distribution and speciation in two ancient iron-based samples.

A provenance study for prehistoric gold and bronze artifacts in comparison with Au and Cu geological sources, using micro-SR XRF elemental analysis.

Color changes in artists paints containing Zinc yellow are associated with the reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III).

Non-planar sample shapes must be expected especially for art and cultural heritage objects. The use of a microscope and an easy algorithm allows the fast determination of the existing geometry.