Seeing the Invisible: Neutron Techniques for Cultural Heritage at the ISIS neutron and muon source

by Dr Antonella Scherillo (STFC-ISIS)

Monday 26 Oct 2026, 14:30 → 15:30 Europe/Berlin

PH HS 3 (Physics Department)

Scientific investigation plays an increasingly important role in Heritage and Archaeological Science, particularly in the study of materials that have been transformed through human activity, such as metals, ceramics and other engineered materials. Neutron techniques offer unique opportunities to investigate ancient and historical objects, providing information on their manufacturing processes, composition, conservation state, morphology, phase composition and microstructure, as well as their elemental distribution.

The high penetration power of neutrons enables quantitative measurements of bulk properties in a non-destructive manner. This is particularly important for cultural heritage, where the historical, cultural or artistic value of an object may preclude sampling or any form of destructive analysis. At the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, neutron and muon techniques are now routinely applied to Heritage Science, making use of a broad portfolio of instruments and analytical methods. These include established techniques such as neutron diffraction and neutron imaging, as well as more advanced approaches for elemental analysis and imaging.

A particular focus of this work has been the development and implementation of elemental analysis techniques with isotopic sensitivity, based on neutron resonance transmission and capture measurements (NRTI, NAA and NRCA) that provide a novel, non-invasive approach for mapping elements within an object, offering a unique means of investigating the composition and manufacturing history of precious and irreplaceable artefacts without

In this talk, I will present examples of how neutron techniques have provided new insights into ancient manufacturing technologies, particularly in metals, their technological evolution over the centuries, and the mechanisms governing their degradation. Examples will include statues, blades, coins and other archaeological and historical objects. I will then discuss how techniques developed in response to the specific challenges of Cultural Heritage, where conventional analytical approaches are often limited by the need for sampling or by insufficient penetration depth, are finding new applications in the study of modern and technologically important materials like batteries etc, illustrating the broader impact and versatility of elemental analysis with neutrons at the ISIS facility.