Basic knowledge and skills in mathematical analysis and classical physics (mechanics, optics, and electromagnetism) are assumed.

This course introduces students to the principles and applications of nuclear and isotopic physics in the analysis of materials from cultural heritage. Emphasis is placed on non-destructive analytical techniques derived from or related to nuclear physics, such as X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), with hands-on sessions using available instrumentation. The course aims to provide students with a critical understanding of the physical principles behind these methods and their role in the characterization, conservation, and authentication of cultural materials.

The student must be able to rationalize and identify the most appropriate characterization techniques in relation to different case studies. They must therefore demonstrate a mastery of the theoretical concepts underlying these techniques, as well as the ability to process the data and results obtained in the laboratory

• Lectures with multimedia presentations
• Laboratory sessions using XRD and SEM/EDS instrumentation
• Guided analysis of case studies and selected research papers
• Data interpretation exercises

Teaching materials provided by the instructor (slides, readings, lab handouts)

• Active participation in lectures and lab sessions

• Short individual or group report based on one of the laboratory experiences or case studies

• Optional multiple-choice quiz

• Introduction to nuclear physics in cultural heritage studies

  • Radioactive and stable isotopes

  • Nuclear decay and radiometric dating (e.g. C-14, U/Th)

  • Nuclear techniques in heritage science: PIXE, PIGE, NAA, RBS, PGAA (overview only)

• Stable isotopes and provenance studies

  • Geochemical fingerprinting using Pb, Sr, O, Nd isotopes

  • Authenticity and sourcing of ancient materials

• Spectroscopic and structural techniques available in the laboratory

  • Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS)

  • X-ray diffraction (XRD)

  • Basic concepts: X-ray interaction, atomic structure, crystal lattice

• Lab Experience 1: SEM/EDS analysis of a ceramic or metal sample

  • Image acquisition and spectral analysis

  • Elemental composition and interpretation

• Lab Experience 2: XRD analysis of pigments or ceramic materials

  • Data acquisition and diffractogram interpretation

  • Phase identification and discussion of crystalline structure

• Final discussion and integration

  • Comparison between nuclear and complementary techniques

  • Multimethod strategies for material characterization in heritage science

• Janssens K. et al., Analytical Chemistry for Cultural Heritage, Springer, 2016

• Ciliberto E., Spoto G. (eds.), Modern Analytical Methods in Art and Archaeology, Wiley, 2000

• Martini M., Milazzo M., Piacentini M., Physics Methods for Cultural Heritage, Aracne, 2010

• Selected scientific papers and handouts will be provided