Learning objectives
The course aims to provide basic knowledge for understanding the most important physical techniques used in Archaeometry applied to significant case studies from the literature.
Therefore it aims to to give the basic physics knowledge to understand the principal physical
techniques used for investigation on cultural heritage, applied to many case studies.
Transfer knowledge and understanding of the physical techniques of archaeometry
enabling the application of new ideas in a interdisciplinary research context and
solve complex problems, with a capacity for reflection on the implications of the findings and decisions.
Provide the tools and methodologies to acquire communication skills, even toward non-specialists
in Archaeometry and to deal with autonomy in a in-depth study of the techniques.
Prerequisites
Basic Physics and Mathematics and preliminary optics and spectroscopy concepts
Course unit content
Advanced physical techniques for Archaeometry
Full programme
ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
Optical spectroscopies - Luminescence (TL - OSL etc.).
Vibrational Spectroscopy - FTIR - RAMAN
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE
ABSORPTION OF X-RAYS - EXAFS - XANES
PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission)
LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy)
IBA - NAA - NRA - RBS - PIXE - PIGE
Photoelectronic Spectroscopy - XPS - AUGER
ESR (Electron Spin Resonance)
NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance)
Hints on DATING TECHNIQUES - Thermoluminescence - C14 dating
Case studies:
CERAMIC - GLASS - METAL - STONE - WOODEN MATERIAL - FABRIC
Bibliography
Notes and other material provided by the teacher.
H. R. Verma: Atomic and Nuclear Analytical Methods: XRF, Mössbauer, XPS, NAA and Ion-Beam Spectroscopic Technique, Springer
B.H. Stuart: Analytical Techniques in Materials Conservation, Wiley
G.Artioli: Scientific Methods and Cultural Heritage: An introduction to the application of material science to archaeometry and conservation science, Oxford University Press
P. Craddock: Scientific investigation of copies, fakes and forgeries, Elsevier BH
Teaching methods
Oral lesson on many case studies
Assessment methods and criteria
Oral exam on a discussion of physical techniques applied to case studies
Other information
The course is preceded by a few introductory lessons of Structure of Matter - An integral part of the course is assisted literature search of case studies
