Meeting report (pdf) - Nuclear Sciences and Applications - IAEA

as neutrons have a high penetration depth as well as being absorbed and scaterred more by
light elements : this allows the visualization of structures and layers under the visible surface
of paintings and, in addition, enables the identification of the elements contained in the
pigments [2]. Often even the individual brush stroke applied by the artist can be made visible,
and in addition changes and pentimenti –e.g. a small modification in the position of a hand –
introduced during the painting process can be identified as well. The analysis of paintings,
which have been reliably authenticated, allows the recognition of the styleor‘‘hand’’of
aparticular artist. It is a very effective, non-destructive, but rather an exceptional method..
The need for technology transfer from developed countries with existing facilities for
Autoradiography of paintings through neutron activation are being expressed by the South
Africa Cultural Heritage community, backed by counterparts in Berlin, to make technology
transfer possible. A research program to install such a facility at the neutron radiography
facility in South Africa is being envisaged and defined by the CRP.
The immediate aim is to establish an Autoradiography facility, utilizing neutrons, in South
Africa. Through thorough description of the needed experimental conditions, set-up and
evaluation methodologies, this CRP strives to make the technology available to any member
state country who which to impliment similar infrastructure and apply scientific evaluation of
paintings in the same manner.
The list of steps to be taken to implement the technology are shortly outlined here:
Full description of methodologies (reference to previous work)
Creation of a standardized procedure for AR
Evaluation of Radiation damage of paintings in a neutron beam (with(out)) gammas.
Description, evaluation and upgrade initiative for infrastructure development to
accommodate paintings.
A cost evaluation is to be made for the implementation of a experimental bay at the
SANRAD facility.
Clarification of related aspects in the handling of paintings (some national regulations to
be followed): (1) Transport to and from SANRAD from Museums and (2) Insurance
involved in transport.
The work plan is specified in following steps
Perform a literature survey and obtain all current proven and available information
(Published papers and conference proceedings) on the topic of Autoradiography (with
X-rays and Neutrons). Within the description, the following will be addressed:
Evaluationof the neutron beam properties ideal for AR
Investigation of neutron and gamma damage of pigments that can occur during
neutron bombardment.
Description of the instrumental and experimental setup
Description of the analytical techniques used until date to perform the
evaluations
Evaluation on a Dummy sample at an already established facility in Europe.
Development (obtaining current “dummy” sample from FRM-II)
Input from CH community in appropriate pigments to be tested
Irradiation of pigments / dummy and measurement of radiation damage
Implementing infrastructure at the SAFARI-1 SANRAD facility
Report
Practical verification
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