Archaeometallurgy using synchrotron radiation: a review

Archaeometallurgy is an important field of study which allows us to assess the quality and value of ancient metal artifacts and better understand the ancient cultures that made them. Scientific investigation of ancient metal artifacts is often necessary due to their lack of well-documented histories. One important requirement of analytical techniques is that they be non-destructive, since many of these artifacts are unique and irreplaceable. Most synchrotron radiation (SR) techniques meet this requirement. In this review, the characteristics, capabilities, and advantages and disadvantages of current and future SR facilities are discussed. I examine the application of SR techniques such as x-ray imaging (radiography/microscopy and tomography), x-ray diffraction, x-ray fluorescence, x-ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and lastly combined SR techniques to the field of archaeometallurgy. Previous case studies using these various SR techniques are discussed and potential future SR techniques are addressed.