Integration of neutron-based elemental analysis and imaging methods and applications to cultural heritage research

Abstract The present paper describes the merits of the combined neutron-based elemental analysis and neutron imaging techniques, called prompt-gamma activation imaging – neutron tomography (PGAI-NT), and illustrates its application to cultural heritage science with relevant case studies. The approach is proven to be best applicable to samples with corroded/layered/gilded/painted/coated structures where the surface weighted response would bias the analysis results obtained with simpler, more widespread, but less representative techniques (such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy or laser-ablation ICP-MS), as well as to answer questions related to the inner composition of a sealed object.