Prelude to neutron methods for heritage science

Monday 18 May 2026, 09:30 → 15:00 Europe/Berlin

UYG 02 22 - Pforte (MLZ)

Neelima Paul (Technical University of Munich, Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Zentrum (MLZ))

The Data Evaluation Group and the local organising committee are pleased to announce an introductory  workshop on neutron methods for heritage research a day before the International Conference on Neutrons in Heritage Science. This satellite workshop will contain talks on archaeological highlights, fundamental principles behind selected relevant neutron methods, as well as demonstrations on analysis of neutron data on archeologically relevant materials by MLZ instrument scientists and archaeology experts. This workshop offers a nice opportunity for conference participants to perceive the intricacies of each method for this research area, obtain a basic awareness of the software and involved data analysis steps and prepare accordingly in future for experiments at FRM II. The workshop will be held in Garching at the Glaspalast room (near the institute entrance) and is limited to 18 participants on a first come, first served basis.

Please note: This workshop is only for registered participants of the International Conference on Neutrons in Heritage Science.

Neutron Radiography Feasibility Test Measurements

MLZ/FRM II, in collaboration with Czech Technical University (CTU) and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), has established a new neutron imaging instrument at the 10 MW reactor in Rež, near Prague. This facility is available for use while FRM II is still awaiting restart.

For participants of the International Conference on Neutrons in Heritage Science, we offer feasibility measurements for neutron radiography of samples at Rež, performed by MLZ/FRM II and CTU staff prior to the conference.

Neutron imaging (radiography and tomography) is particularly suited for cultural heritage studies, as it can penetrate most metals while revealing embedded organic materials.

How it works:

1. Participants are invited to submit samples well in advance of the conference.
2. Samples will be collected at FRM II and safely transported to Rež for neutron radiography measurements. Full tomography is not offered at this stage due to time constraints.
3. After measurements, samples will be returned to participants at the latest at the conference.
4. Discussion on first results during the workshop.

Please write an email to Burkhard.Schillinger(at)frm2.tum.de to discuss sample feasibility and further details.

09:30 → 10:00 Registration & Welcome

Speakers: Neelima Paul (TUM), Christian Stieghorst (TUM)

10:00 → 10:45 Coming soon

(Archaeometallurgical investigations on heritage materials)

Speaker: Nikolay Kardjilov (Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin)

10:45 → 11:00 Coffee break

11:00 → 11:45 Neutron Imaging for archeology

Speaker: Burkhard Schillinger

11:45 → 12:30 Isotopic Imaging with neutrons

Speaker: Antonella Scherillo (STFC-ISIS)

12:30 → 13:30 Lunch break

13:30 → 14:15 Chemical analysis methods for cultural heritage

Speaker: Christian Stieghorst (TUM)

14:15 → 15:00 Application of diffraction methods for heritage science

Speaker: Michael Hofmann