Neutron and synchrotron X-rays probes are primary sources for the characterization of materials related to cultural heritage. Their employment in the investigation of materials related to archaeometry and conservation science encompasses imaging, chemical analysis, and crystallographic analysis, including phase identification, texture analysis, and structure and microstructure analysis. In principle, many of these information may be obtained simultaneously in a single combined experiment, thus minimizing neutron or X-rays exposure time and the risks and the costs related to object’s handling.

Several trends can be acknowledged at present in the use of large facilities for cultural heritage investigations. On the one hand neutron beams, traditionally linked to neutron activation analysis and autoradiography, are increasingly used for the non-invasive characterization of large and thick objects, mainly for 3D tomographic imaging, phase identification, and crystallographic texture analysis, especially in metals. Synchrotron radiation beams on the other hand are best used for the investigation of matter at the microscale, mostly using microimaging or micromapping techniques. Although penetrating high energy X-rays have been used to probe centimeter-thick objects, the vast majority of the applications related to archaeology or art objects involve the use of XRD and XAS techniques for the identification of material heterogeneities at the micrometer level. Typical examples are the identification of pigmenting materials in paintings, analysis of glazing layers in ceramics, and interpretation of alteration layers in metal and stones.

Several examples of recent applications will be described and discussed.

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1. Influence of superplasticizers on the hydration of Portland cement: in situ synchrotron x-ray diffraction study