Burapha University International Conference, BUU-2014

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Neutron induced autoradiography in the study of ancient Thai artefacts
Sasiphan Khaweerat

Last modified: 2014-06-05

Abstract


Autoradiography has been practising occasionally at out-pool neutron radiography facility of Thai Research Reactor-1/M1 for more than a decade. In early 2014, the first autoradiography of small Buddha sculpture obtained from in-pool irradiation tube provides the feasibility to study valuable artefact without destruction. In Thailand, the values of Buddha sculptures varied dramatically depending mainly on date of production and provenance. Scientific method for authenticity approval plays an important role in strengthening the confident of relevant people. Here, we propose neutron induced autoradiography to construct compositional profile of Buddha sculpture, ancient charms, talisman, and coins to distinguish the differences between genuine and fake artefacts. Ten small-sized artefacts with maximum size of 1”x1.5” were taken neutron radiography and x-ray radiography. Afterwards, they were activated individually using in-pool dry irradiation tube with neutron flux of 5.91x1011 n/cm2/sec. Irradiation and decay times are varied from 5 minutes to 5 hours and 5 minutes to 50 days, respectively, depending on typical isotopic contents in samples. BAS-MS imaging plate was used to record emitting radiation. Beta rays that influence image contrast can be eliminated using plastic filter. Eventually, both radiography and autoradiography images were compared and the database of genuine artefacts was established. The great success in database establishment will be a prototype for variety of artefacts that will further contribute in addressing several questions regarding cultural heritage research as well as other fields of study.


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