Interpretation of Provenance Information from Cultural Heritages and Environmental Samples by Advanced High-energy Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Analytical Techniques

Abstract

High-energy synchrotron radiation (SR) X-rays will be a decoder to interpret the provenance information of materials in the nondestructive manner. In this paper, the author introduces two studies as actual examples of application of SR-X-ray analytical techniques for environmental samples and cultural heritages: radioactive aerosol particles emitted from Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident, and two pieces of ancient glass vessels excavated from a tumulus at Nara prefecture, Japan. Applying the advanced SR-X-ray analytical techniques to these specimens with public concerns would be an example in point to demonstrate the importance and availability of the techniques to the society.