A workflow for neutron activation analysis of archaeological ceramics at the Atominstitut in Vienna, Austria

Abstract

The main focus for neutron activation analysis (NAA) at the Atominstitut in Vienna has moved to the analysis of archaeological ceramics. The workflow for NAA has been adapted for this material and the elemental spectrum quantified has been expanded for compatibility with international databases. Statistical methods for the grouping of the archaeometric data have been implemented, following the methods applied by Mommsen et al. in Bonn (Archaeometry 30(1):47–57, 1988). Limits of detection specific for ceramics have been calculated and are at the ng/g level. High reproducibility as necessary for archaeometric analysis can be shown by comparative measurements of an internal quality control sample.