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By combining the non-destructive position-sensitive prompt-gamma activation analysis, neutron computed tomography, and Monte Carlo computer simulations, quantitative matrix-effect correction of a structured, multi-component sample has been achieved.

In this study, we present the elemental composition results determined with handheld XRF method on the gold armlets with crescent-shaped terminals from the Prehistoric Collection of the Hungarian National Museum. In addition to the new Tápióbicske find, the Dunavecse, Biia, the Géza Kárász Collection find from Transylvania and the Körös area specimens were also included in the analysis. Based on the handheld XRF results, it can be concluded that most of the studied armlets have high Ag (21–24 wt%) and low Cu (0.06–0.17 wt%) content. These objects form a relatively uniform group (Hartmann A3) based on their elemental composition, regardless of their type and presumed date. Lower Ag content was only detected in the Körös area find (ca. 5.8 wt%) (Hartmann B) and in the rivets of the Biia armlet (ca. 12.3 wt%) (Hartmann L/Q2). Our results suggest that the studied armlets had a lower Ag content compared to the previous measurements on the Bilje, Pipea and Boarta armlets, made by different techniques (OES, SR XRF). The applied method is not suitable to determine the origin of the raw materials. Only the material type could be defined as native gold.

A Magyar Nemzeti Múzeum Üveg- és Kerámiagyűjtemény I. raktárában őrzött műtárgyak közül tíz, uránüvegből készült tárgyat vizsgáltunk: négy emlékpoharat és három pohárkészlet két-két darabját. UV lámpa segítségével választottuk ki a tárgyakat, mert a bennük lévő uraniltartalom miatt így megvilágítva fluoreszkálnak. Az üvegtárgyak kémiai összetételét roncsolásmentesen, kétféle kézi röntgenfluoreszcens (XRF) spektrométerrel határoztuk meg, sugárzásukat hitelesített gammadózis teljesítmény-mérővel, valamint γ- és β-sugárzás detektálására alkalmas felületi szennyezettség-mérővel. A vastag falú, anyagában színezett, egyféle homogén üvegű emlékpoharak az anyagösszetétel és a stíluskritikai, készítéstechnikai jellemzők szerint a 19. századi cseh üvegművesség felé mutatnak. Jó minőségű kálium-kalcium üvegekből készültek, az erősebb zöld szín eléréséhez az urán mellett rezet is adagoltak három pohár üvegéhez. A vékony falú, kétféle, színes és színtelen üvegű likőrös- és borospoharak az Osztrák-Magyar Monarchia területén készültek a 19. század végén, 20. század elején. Zöld kelyhük uránnal és rézzel színezett. Szintén jó minőségű, ragyogó, többségében kálium-kalcium üvegek, a borospoharak egy csoportja pedig ólom-kálium üvegből készült. A tárgyak uránkoncentrációja 0,06–0,1 tömeg% (0,07–0,1 tömeg% U3O8) és 0,5–0,6 tömeg% (0,6–0,7 tömeg% U3O8) közti. Az urántól és leányelemeitől származó dózisteljesítmények mért értékei 105±5 és 65±5 nSv/h köztiek (a tárgyaktól 10 cm távolságra), ill. 150±10 és 70±5 nSv/h köztiek (a tárgyak felszínének közelében). A dózisteljesítmény kisebb ingadozásokkal egyenesen arányos uránkoncentrációval a vizsgált tárgyakban. A mért értékek egyik esetben sem haladják meg a Magyarországon mérhető természetes háttérsugárzás dózisteljesítményének maximális értékeit. A mért dózisteljesítmények összeadódva sem jelentenek sugáregészségügyi kockázatot a tárgyakkal foglalkozó szakemberek és a látogatók számára.

Eight ornaments and a dagger were analyzed using completely non-destructive techniques to determine their alloy compositions and to draw conclusions about the production technology. Prompt-gamma activation analysis and time-of-flight neutron diffraction proved that the studied objects are tin-bronzes. Difference was observed in the amounts of ore-related minor components (arsenic, silver, nickel) of the objects belonging to the two distinct archaeological sites. Based on the diffraction analysis of the microstructure, the objects are casts that were exposed to different degrees of manufacturing to reach their final forms.

Non-destructive characterization of decorated porcelain artifacts requires the joint use of surface-analytical methods for the decorative surface pattern and methods of high penetration depth for bulk-representative chemical composition. In this research, we used position-sensitive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (XRF) and Prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) for these purposes, assisted by 3D structured-light optical scanning and dual-energy X-ray radiography. The proper combination of the near-surface and bulk element composition data can shed light on raw material use and manufacturing technology of ceramics.

We present a workflow to non-destructively determine the elemental compositions of internal volumes of interest enclosed within complex-shaped objects, by combining 3D X-ray or neutron imaging, prompt-gamma activation analysis, and advanced Monte Carlo computer simulations. The correction of neutron- and gamma-attenuation effects during elemental analysis made it possible for the first time to obtain quantitative elemental compositions for such geometries. We applied the method successfully to an articulated iron lobster artifact from Japan’s Edo period. Using synchrotron X-ray and neutron imaging, we revealed that it has been constructed from numerous hammered plates. Rivets and two kinds of solder materials were identified based on the contrasts observed in the XCT images; these were selected for local composition analysis. It was found that one soldering material consisted of Cu63Zn37 brass, while the other was composed of a eutectic tin and lead alloy Sn39Pb61. The Zn/Cu adhesive is widely used to bond small areas, whereas the Sn/Pb adhesive is used for attaching larger surfaces.

Prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) is a useful method to determine the elemental composition of bulky samples, where non-destructivity, representativity, and high metrological quality are of great importance. Voluminous samples significantly attenuate both the exciting neutron beam and the emerging gamma radiation within the sample. We have developed a generally applicable correction for the neutron self-shielding and gamma-ray self-absorption effect for large and irregularly shaped samples, based on digital geometry data and Monte Carlo simulations. The numerical correction gives results that agree well with those from destructive sampling.

The study discusses a previously published find, a ‘Late Bronze Age violin-bow fibula’ from the prehistoric collection of the Hungarian National Museum, Department of Archaeology. The object was bought by the institute in 1948 from a certain Elemér Szabó, who stated that it was found by his son on the bank of the Danube River in Esztergom. In 2021, we re-studied the find by metalwork production and use-wear analysis and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF). The results of both analyses revealed that this specimen has a highly unusual character regarding its traces of manufacturing and elemental composition. In our opinion, based on these atypical characteristics, this ‘artefact’ can be determined as a modern forgery and therefore must not be included in further studies on the so called Unterradl type violin-bow fibulae.

AbstractThis study presents the results of the petrographic and geochemical analyses of the entire pottery assemblage discovered at the sixth-century (AD) cemetery of Szólád, Western Hungary, associated with the Langobard era in the territory of the former Roman province of Pannonia. Szólád is one of the most prominent archaeological sites of this period, where prior studies have shown that the cemetery was used for ca. one or two generations by a migrating group of diverse genetic background. The present work is the first integrated typological and archaeological science pottery analysis from the early migration period (fifth to sixth century) Hungary. We applied polarising light optical microscopy (OM), prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA), and neutron activation analysis (NAA) on all samples and, additionally, scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM–EDS) on one selected sample. One main fabric group with three subgroups were defined by OM, to which the majority of the samples belong. This fabric group was characterised by aplastic inclusions derived from a carbonate-cemented sandstone typical of the environs of Szólád; therefore, the vessels of this fabric group appear to have been produced locally. The remaining four samples display a variety of unique, ungrouped, fabrics (loners) indicative of different recipes and/or the presence of pottery originating from outside of the region. Our study concludes that the community associated with the cemetery favoured burying pots with the deceased that stylistically resembled archaic “Elbe Germanic” traditions, but which were in fact made locally. However, in some cases, relationships with more distant territories and cultural traditions are also represented.

Portuguese museums and private collectors gather a variety of Italian glazed terracotta sculptures attributed to the della Robbia workshop, particularly active between the 15th and 16th centuries. Compositional studies of the paste using INAA, PGAA and XRD and enamel using PIXE, and luminescence protocols, were used as a tool to ascertain the attribution of the sculptures to della Robbia workshop. Geochemical and mineralogical patterns were defined enabling to express the production recipe. The luminescence ages were found to be between 1380 and 1640 in some cases with high uncertainties. The compositions of the blue glazes were proved to be similar to other measured on della Robbia sculptures from French and Italian collections based on cobalt pigments. Arsenic behaviour, which is associated to cobalt in most cobalt-minerals, is rather peculiar, as it was already found in other della Robbia sculptures enabling a chronological framework, pointing to a production after 1520. Based on the results, most of the analysed sculptures implies a della Robbia production, and only a few point to a composition and chronology not related with that workshop. Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia support through the UID/Multi/04349/2013 and PTDC/HIS/HEC/116742/2010 projects; H2020 CHARISMA funded (Grant Agreement no. 228330) project at Budapest Neutron Center; FB, MNAA, MNAz, FCG, MJ for sampling and field measurements. info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion

PGAI-NT, a neutron-based element composition and structure analysis method, is well applicable to the non-destructive characterization of valuable artefacts, paleontological, bulk geological samples or to industrial reverse engineering. To set up the measurement geometry and scanning positions for items with unconstrained shapes, sizes, and matrices, accurate knowledge of the object’s geometry is a must. We applied portable structured-light 3D optical scanning or segmented neutron/X-ray tomography data to produce 3D meshes of the complex samples. Subsequently, 3D printing was used to fabricate detailed replicas of museum objects, as well as their gentle ad hoc sample holders, or produce custom parts of the Budapest PGAA instrument.

Herein, the promotion effect of only 0.3 wt% indium on 3% Ni/Al2O3 and 3% Ni/CeO2-Al2O3 catalysts prepared by deposition-precipitation over a commercial alumina and on the CeO2-modified support was studied. Catalyst characterization by XRD, TPR, XPS, TEM, CO-DRIFTS was performed. The catalytic properties were investigated and coke formation was analyzed under temperature ramped CH4-decomposition and in Dry Reforming of Methane (DRM). The unique impact of indium was compared to the well-known effects of ceria additive. The carbon deposition on Ni/Al2O3 blocking the reactor could be only delayed due to ceria on Ni/CeO2-Al2O3, while NiIn/Al2O3 was able to maintain the activity in DRM. Indium modifier acting in parallel with ceria over NiIn/CeO2-Al2O3 determined the least coking, but the least catalytic activity. The results were discussed in terms of double role of In, acting as a ceria modifier, upgrading its oxidative properties and as a metal modifier, getting alloyed with Ni.

A series of 74 small silver Celtic coins discovered on the territory of the present Slovenia and classified in 7 different types were analyzed using the methods of proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) to determine the silver and copper concentrations on the surface and in the bulk, respectively. The aim of the research was to determine the purity of the metal and the trace element content in relation with the coin type. Though no classification could be performed according to the concentrations of trace elements in the surface layer as determined by PIXE, the bulk analysis showed a two-tailed distribution of low- and higher-grade silver. This means that the base metal was supplied through two different distribution centers or that the basic alloy suffered a gradual decrease of fineness as a consequence of inflationary movements.

Turquoise covered mosaic objects - especially masks - were attractive components of treasures transported to Europe from Mexico after the fall of the Aztec Empire in the 1500s. According to our present knowledge, the mosaic masks were manufactured for ritual purpose. The main material of mosaics, the turquoise was a high-prestige semi-precious stone among Mexican native people. During the 20

Chemical composition of bronze findings from the Füzesabony-Öregdomb hoard and gold stray finds from Füzesabony were determined using non-destructive methods. The main components of the bronze objects are copper and tin, with small amount of nickel and lead. The latter objects are made predominantly of gold with 16–23 weight percent silver.

The present paper describes the merits of the combined neutron-based elemental analysis and neutron imaging techniques, called prompt-gamma activation imaging – neutron tomography (PGAI-NT), and illustrates its application to cultural heritage science with relevant case studies. The approach is proven to be best applicable to samples with corroded/layered/gilded/painted/coated structures where the surface weighted response would bias the analysis results obtained with simpler, more widespread, but less representative techniques (such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy or laser-ablation ICP-MS), as well as to answer questions related to the inner composition of a sealed object.

Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis has successfully been applied to provenance research on Carpathian obsidians. The effectiveness of PGAA and a portable XRF device in discriminations of Carpathian, Lipari, Sardinia and Melos origin obsidians was compared on 75 representative geological samples obtained from the Lihotheca Collection of the Hungarian National Museum. Bivariate analyses and Principal Component Analysis have been made based on the individual PGAA and XRF data, as well as on the combination of both data types. Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis was also applied on a group of 17 samples. The advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed to determine the best possible way of investigations to fingerprint and characterize long-distance trade items with minimal damage to the samples.

In k 0-neutron activation analysis, HPGe detectors have to be calibrated up to about 3.1 MeV, in order to properly determine the Na, Ca and S content of analytes. Commercial radioactive sources cover the energy range only up to 2.2 MeV, but with activation in the reactor, additional high-energy gamma emitter radionuclides (72Ga, 56Mn, 116In and 24Na) can be produced. At a prompt-gamma activation analysis station, where the calibration is available up to 12 MeV, we derived accurate gamma-ray energies and relative intensities for these radionuclides and subsequently used them for broad energy-range efficiency and nonlinearity calibration of NAA detectors as well as a low-level counting station.

The following study deals with a looted metal sheet artefact probably originating from the Balkan region. Our main goal is to give a preliminary technological characterization of the object by the aid of four different analytical methods (macro- and microscopic observations, Neutron and X-ray Radiography, X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy). Using these different techniques together allowed us to characterize this complex metal sheet object more precisely than it would have been possible by traditional archaeological methods. According to our results, it seems that the technological characters of the artefact (e.g. the manufacturing technology, decorations, repair marks) are very similar to the metal sheet cauldrons of the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age.

Non-destructive prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA), neutron radiography (NR) and high resolution time-of-flight neutron diffraction (TOF-ND) have been applied to investigate metal archaeological artefacts belonging to the Academia Georgica Treiensis (AGT) collection. 8 archaeological items have been analysed, by using the facilities of the Budapest Neutron Centre (BNC). Some of these objects mostly dating back probably to the VI-IV century B.C. and presumed to be discovered in the Marche Region, Italy. The primary goal of the analyses was to advance the correct technological and material description of the objects, providing scientific data for further and more comprehensive comparative analyses also covering the find material from the close archaeological sites. The neutron investigations allowed determining the bulk composition, also providing either a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the phase composition and the structural properties of the constituents, or radiographic images, which would finally help to identify possible manufacturing techniques. Additional examinations, carried out by external milli-beam particle induced X-ray emission spectroscopy (PIXE), provided quantitative analyses of major and trace elements (e.g., Fe, Pb and As) in order to recognize the constitutive alloys and to supply information on the near-surface elemental composition, complementary to the data characteristic for the bulk. The obtained results, thought to be useful to set up a classification according to the chemical composition, and this way allow achieving important information related to the possible provenance of the objects.

Complementary neutron-based elemental analytical and imaging methods, i.e. position sensitive prompt gamma activation analysis and neutron tomography, were used on a bronze sculpture group of suspected South-Levantine origin. Based on the radiography and tomography images, individual figurines were chosen for elemental analysis. Selected parts were analyzed, and the bronze alloy parts were found to contain 14 mass-percent tin and 84 mass-percent copper. The non-bronze pieces contain Fe, Cl, H, Pb, S, Mn and several minor and trace constituents. This study demonstrates the synergy of the visual and compositional data when drawing conclusions about such valuable and complex metallic artifacts.

The design and operation of innovative nuclear systems requires a better knowledge of the capture and fission cross sections of the Pu isotopes. For the case of capture on 242Pu, a reduction of the uncertainty in the fast region down to 8-12% is required. Moreover, aiming at improving the evaluation of the fast energy range in terms of average parameters, the OECD NEA High Priority Request List (HPRL) requests high-resolution capture measurements with improved accuracy below 2 keV. The current uncertainties also affect the thermal point, where previous experiments deviate from each other by 20%. A fruitful collaboration betwen JGU Mainz and HZ Dresden-Rossendorf within the EC CHANDA project resulted in a 242Pu sample consisting of a stack of seven fission-like targets making a total of 95(4) mg of 242Pu electrodeposited on thin (11.5 μm) aluminum backings. This contribution presents the results of a set of measurements of the 242Pu(n, γ) cross section from thermal to 500 keV combining different neutron beams and techniques. The thermal point was determined at the Budapest Research Reactor by means of Neutron Activation Analysis and Prompt Gamma Analysis, and the resolved (1 eV - 4 keV) and unresolved (1 - 500 keV) resonance regions were measured using a set of four Total Energy detectors at the CERN n_TOF-EAR1. European Commission 334315, 605203 Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad FPA2013-45083-P, FPA2014-53290-C2-2-P, FPA2016-77689-C2-1-R German Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) 03NUK13A

The study discusses an unpublished bronze hoard from the famous West Hungarian archaeological site: Velem-Szent Vid (Transdanubia, Vas County). This small Ha B1 assemblage contains a spearhead with remains of the wooden shaft, a sickle, and three different types of ingots. Our aim was a comprehensive structural and compositional characterization of the preserved objects from the hoard exclusively by means of non-invasive and non-destructive analytical, structural, and imaging techniques (XRF, PGAA, TOF-ND, Neutron Imaging, X-ray Imaging). The spearhead and the ingots were studied from production to deposition. Our results suggest that the spearhead was a good quality cast with relatively high Sn content and extremely low porosity rate. It received a minimal post-casting treatment, and hafted similarly to West European Late Bronze Age spearheads. Based on use-wear traces caused by blade-on-blade contact and edge-vs-flat collision, this weapon may have been used in parrying situation. After being used most likely just for a short period, the metal and wooden parts of weapon were intentionally destroyed by plastic deformation prior to deposition. Ingots selected to the Velem-Szent Vid hoard were cast in open one-piece moulds or ‘improvised’ moulds carved to the surfaces or berms of the metallurgical workshop. They have not been partitioned further after casting, but selected for deposition. The elemental composition data of the ingots revealed high quantity of Pb and Sb. The ratio of Pb in the miniature plano-convex ingot (89 ± 0.3 m%) and the rod ingot (94 ± 0.3 m%) was so high that they can be identified as lead ingots, a rare raw material type during the Late Bronze Age. One out of the analysed three ingots, the elemental composition of the cuboid ingot was the most complex, containing high Pb (13–37 m%) and Sb (0.6–6.2 m%) based on PGAA. Chalcocite (Cu2S) was identified by TOF-ND, which points to the possible origin of the raw material or production method (smelting). Our study suggests that this hoard was a combination of a professionally cast spearhead, used and destroyed intentionally along with a fragmented sickle, and three rare and valuable ingots made of specific materials, which were not used after casting. All of them were deposited together in a votive hoard in a central, multi-hoard settlement. Their treatment and selection followed local hoarding traditions practiced in Velem-Szent Vid and its related areas in Transdanubia.

Prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) measurements were carried out at the ISIS Spallation Neutron Source on two sets of functional commercial stainless steel orthodontic archwires, aiming at providing insights into the elemental and isotopic composition differences of two nominally equivalent archwires. The results were compared to those obtained from parallel cold neutron PGAA measurements on the same samples at the Budapest Neutron Centre in order to test the current status of PGAA at a pulsed neutron source and eventually to inform improvement in set-up and acquisition methods. In addition, time-resolved PGAA (T-PGAA) that combines PGAA and neutron time-of-flight methods was applied to the present set of samples, allowing the measurement of the neutron energy dependence of the PGAA spectra. The advantages of this technique were demonstrated to be that through incident neutron energy selection, spanning 0.07–67.94 eV, enhancement or decrease of specific gamma lines associated with isotopes of interest could be achieved. These were shown to reduce peak interference and to increase the signal-to-background ratio for certain species in order to facilitate accurate elemental identification. Suggestions for potential performance improvement for this evolving technique are proposed.

Les recherches sur le patrimoine culturel utilisant les méthodes neutroniques et à faisceaux d’ions au centre de neutrons de Budapest présentées ici mettent l’accent sur les applications fructueuses réalisées dans la cadre du programme européen CHARISMA. Cultural Heritage experiments in synergy with neutron-based and ion beam techniques at the Budapest Neutron Centre are presented, with special emphasis to successful applications within the CHARISMA project

In the prompt-gamma activation analysis, the spectra of multi-element metallic samples contain low-energy regions with complicated multiplets that are difficult to evaluate by fitting. This has an impact on the accuracy and precision of the final results. To overcome this, parallel measurements with Compton-suppressed coaxial HPGe and high-resolution, low-energy germanium detectors, with and without Compton-suppression, were completed in order to assess the performances of the setups under controlled conditions. The selectivities, the signal-to-background ratios and other characteristic features of the setups are compared, and the results are discussed.

Catalytic wet oxidation of N,N-dimethylformamide was tested in designed experiments without and with Ru–Ir on Ti mesh monolith catalysts. The rate and selectivity of the reactions were compared with the usual DOE evaluation of the data. The commercial catalyst and its reduced version, before and after usage were characterized with PGAA, TPR, SEM with EDX, XPS techniques. The catalytic reaction rates were significantly higher than the thermal one. During ∼55 h usage the precious metal loss was insignificant. The active surface can have dual nature, containing both oxide and metallic sites independently from the starting state of the catalysts.

The morphological and compositional analysis of fossils provides essential knowledge about the classification and development of the species and about the environmental aspects during and after the life of the exemplar. We developed and applied a beyond-state-of-the-art combination of three-dimensional surface and volumetric digital imaging techniques, as well as position-resolved element composition analysis on Parascutella gibbercula species excavated in Hungary to scrutinize their shapes and internal structures. This study opens the perspective to a better understanding of the sedimentation conditions of the Paratethyan realm in Miocene.

The IAEA coordinated research project entitled ‘Enhancing Nuclear Analytical Techniques to Meet the Needs of Forensics Sciences’ (CRP F11021) [1, 2] develops a specific program targeting the authentication of Cultural Heritage goods. One application domain is the analysis of precious metals, in particular of collectible ancient silver coinage potentially exposed to counterfeiting, for which the synergetic analytical merits of IBA and neutron activation analysis (NAA) and their non- destructive character (which allows to preserve evidence) are highly adapted. The contribution reports the results of an inter-laboratory measurement program on reference silver targets and authentic ancient silver coins implying particle accelerators and neutron-based laboratories worldwide. First, the analytical performances of PIXE and of two NAA methods, namely prompt -ray activation analysis (PGAA) and instrumental neutron activation (INAA) were explored in terms of accuracy and sensitivity, and their complementarity for the determination of fineness, i.e. the concentration in Ag, was evaluated. XRF, a routine method for the analysis of alloys, was applied for sake of comparison. The second objective was to test and validate the interoperability of this approach through an international inter- comparison program. The studied materials are four Ag certified reference standards (MBH AGA1, AGA3, AGQ2 and Ag500) and a series of Portuguese Reis silver coins from the 17th to 19th centuries and French 5 Francs from the 1960’s. The results highlight the benefits of combining PIXE and neutron activation methods to determine the alloy composition for a wide range of elements where they outperform XRF in terms of precision and sensitivity. When measuring coins instead of standard reference materials, ascertaining the well-established legal Ag-Cu alloy content may be hindered by the Cu surface loss over time. The Cu concentrations measured using PIXE appear biased by the low probing depth of the method (max 20 µm) while NAA, as a bulk analyzing technique, gives the correct composition. PIXE allows measuring a dozen of impurities of the silver alloy, notably Au, Pb, Bi, Zn, Pd and Sb which are potential tracers of the origin of the metal. In spite of the coins surface composition alteration it is shown that the trace element concentrations determined by PIXE still reflect the silver fingerprint. [1] https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/new- research-project-to-focus-on-use-of-nuclear- techniques-in-forensic-science

Ariuşd (Erősd) is the eponym site of the Copper Age Ariuşd group. The systematic investigation of the site has begun over a hundred years ago. Recent archaeological studies could clarify the layer sequence and the artefacts of the site, especially the pottery finds. Our current paper is aiming at presenting the chipped lithic industry, the largest of its kind within the Ariuşd group. Though this study is a work in progress with several open questions, we hope to contribute to a more profound knowledge on the material culture of the Ariuşd group.

We performed an experimental search for the bound state singlet deuteron predicted in some microscopic calculations. The predicted energy of this metastable level is in vicinity of the deuteron disintegration threshold. This state should manifest itself in two-photon transition following thermal neutron capture by protons. The experiment consists in the search for the second gamma-ray in the cascade through a high statistics measurement of $\gamma$-ray spectra after cold neutron capture by hydrogen nuclei. The upper limit $2\mu$b (2$\sigma$ level) is obtained for the cross section of the singlet deuteron production with the bound energy in the range 10-125 keV., Comment: 10 pages, 4 figures

The Budapest Neutron Centre (BNC) is a consortium of institutes to co-ordinate research activities carried out at the Budapest Research Reactor. It hosts two neutron imaging facilities (RAD and NORMA) operated by the Centre for Energy Research, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and offers access to this scientific infrastructure for the domestic and international users. The radiography station (RAD) at the thermal neutron beamline of the reactor gives a possibility to study relatively large objects by thermal neutron-, gamma- and X-ray radiography, and to benefit from the complementary features of the different radiations. RAD is being extended in 2014 with digital imaging and tomographic capabilities. The image detection is based on suitable converter screens. The static radiography and tomography images are acquired by a new, large area sCMOS camera, whereas the dynamic radiography is accomplished by a low-light-level TV camera and a frame grabber card. The NORMA facility is designed to perform neutron radiography and tomography on small samples using guided cold neutrons. Here two non-destructive techniques are coupled to determine the chemical composition and to visualize the internal structure of heterogeneous objects. The position-sensitive element analysis with prompt-gamma activation analysis (PGAA) and the imaging with neutron radiography/tomography (NR/NT) are integrated into a unique facility called NIPS-NORMA. The goal of such a combination of these methods is to save substantial beam time in the so-called NR/NT-driven PGAI (Prompt Gamma Activation Imaging) mode, in which the interesting regions are first visualized and located, and subsequently the time-consuming prompt-gamma measurements are made only where it is really needed. The paper will give an overview about the technical details of the facilities, and the latest results of selected applications from the fields of archaeometry, engineering and material science.

In this paper we present new results for prompt fission γ-ray spectral characteristics from the thermal neutron induced fission of Pu*240. The measured spectra were unfolded by using the detectors' response functions, simulated with geant4. We obtained in average per fission a γ-ray multiplicity M¯γ=(7.35±0.12), a mean photon energy e¯γ=(0.85±0.02) MeV, and an average total energy released in fission E¯γ,tot=(6.27±0.11) MeV. Our results are in good agreement with historical data measured in the 1970s by Verbinski et al. and results from recent calculations in the framework of Monte Carlo Hauser–Feshbach models. Our measured average total energy is slightly smaller than the one deduced previously and present in evaluated data. From this we conclude that the Pu239(nth,f) reaction may be ruled out as possible source of γ heating underestimation, when compared with benchmark calculations based on existing nuclear data.

SiO2 supported Ag–Au bimetallic catalysts were prepared by sol adsorption method with 10/90, 20/80, 33/67, and 50/50 Ag/Au molar ratios. Reduction of HAuCl4 in Ag sol resulted in alloyed Ag–Au colloid particles and that structure remained after calcination and reduction treatment. The alloy structure of the catalysts was confirmed by UV–visible spectroscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Au–Ag bimetallic effect and its dependence on the Ag/Au molar ratio was studied in glucose oxidation where synergistic activity increase was observed compared to the Au/SiO2 reference sample in the case of the bimetallic samples with less than Ag/Au = 50/50 molar ratio. The Ag/SiO2 was inactive at the same conditions. The Ag/Au surface atomic ratios – calculated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) – were slightly higher than in the bulk—determined by prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA). The higher activity of the bimetallic samples is suggested to be caused by the improved O2 activating ability provided by Ag sites. The further increase of Ag loading above the optimal concentration may dilute or cover the Au to such an extent that the number of gold ensembles necessary for glucose activation decreases deteriorating the activity.

Non-invasive, archaeometric analyses on selected Hungarian Bronze Age defensive armour is presented here: three greaves, three helmets two shields as well as one vessel fragment were analysed with PIXE, PGAA and TOF-ND. The detected alloy elemental and phase composition as well as its intergranular or spatial concentration distribution reveals important insights into the alloys used and the manufacturing techniques applied c. 1200–950 BC, and allows to reconstruct the production techniques used during the Late Bronze Age.

Two coaxial and a low-energy HPGe detector were characterized with Monte Carlo simulations, using the geant4 toolkit. The geometry of the detectors, including the dimensions of the crystal and the internal structural parts, were initially taken from the factory specifications and from X-ray radiographies, and were later fine-tuned. The detector response functions, with special emphasis on the absolute full-energy peak efficiencies and peak-to-total ratios, were calculated and compared to experimental data taken at different measurement geometries. Between 150 keV and 11 MeV an agreement within 1–2 standard deviation has been achieved, whereas systematic deviations were experienced at lower energies.

Chloride (Cl) ions diffuse into iron objects during burial and drive corrosion after excavation. Located under corrosion layers, Cl is inaccessible to many analytical techniques. Neutron analysis offers non-destructive avenues for determining Cl content and distribution in objects. A pilot study used prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) and prompt gamma activation imaging (PGAI) to analyse the bulk concentration and longitudinal distribution of Cl in archaeological iron objects. This correlated with the object corrosion rate measured by oxygen consumption, and compared well with Cl measurement using a specific ion meter. High-Cl areas were linked with visible damage to the corrosion layers and attack of the iron core. Neutron techniques have significant advantages in the analysis of archaeological metals, including penetration depth and low detection limits.

Artistic and historical examination of high-quality glazed terracotta sculptures displayed in various Portuguese museums point to their production in della Robbia workshop of Florence (Italy). A multitechnique analytical approach is applied for the first time to these sculptures, aiming to confirm their origin. Materials were analyzed using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, Prompt Gamma Activation Analysis and X-ray Diffraction. The compositional results are similar to other della Robbia sculptures, suggesting a common origin for the raw material that was identified as carbonate rich marine origin marly clay. The applied firing temperatures was proved to be around 900 °C. The differences found within each sculpture are explained by the production technique of assembling separate parts to produce these huge sculptures, and the clay pit heterogeneity.

The prompt-γ activation analysis (PGAA) laboratory of the Budapest Neutron Centre has been actively involved in national, international collaborations and EU-funded transnational access programs since 1999. The main applications are in material science, nuclear data measurement, method development, cultural heritage science and geology. PGAA was found to be ideal for the analysis of many light and medium-Z elements as major and minor components (down to 10–100 ppm), plus some traces, like H, B, Cl, Hg, noble metals and rare-earth elements. Being a real-time probing method, it is also possible to generate time- or spatially-resolved data. This paper reviews our activities in the past fifteen years, presents highlights of user-driven research projects and gives a summary about currently running and future access programs.

The present study reports on results of petrographic and geochemical analyses on a stone adze from the archaeological Balatonőszod – Temetői dűlő site (SW-Hungary, on the southern side of Lake Balaton). This is the largest excavated site of the Baden Culture in Hungary (more than 200,000 m 2 ) and has the longest continuous settlement history. At the site, features of the Balaton-Lasinja Culture (Middle Copper Age) and the Boleraz Culture have also been found. Altogether 500 stone artefacts were found and registered. The present study reports on the results of the investigation of a unique nephrite adze, found on the site. This adze is the first nephrite artefact with an established archaeological context in Hungarian prehistory. By applying detailed petrographic, geochemical and petrophysical methods as well as comparing with published data we have located the origin of the raw material of this nephrite adze. Its most probable source is the northern part of the Bohemian Massif, Lower Silesia, a geological site near Jordanow (Poland).

Benchmark reactor calculations have revealed an underestimation of γ-heat following fission of up to 28%. To improve the modelling of new nuclear reactors, the OECD/NEA initiated a nuclear data High Priority Request List (HPRL) entry for the major isotopes (235 U, 239 Pu). In response to that HPRL entry, we executed a dedicated measurement program on prompt fission γ-rays employing state-of-the-art lanthanum bromide (LaBr3 ) detectors with superior timing and good energy resolution. Our new results from 252 Cf(sf), 235 U(nth ,f) and 241 Pu(nth ,f) provide prompt fission γ-ray spectra characteristics : average number of photons per fission, average total energy per fission and mean photon energy; all within 2% of uncertainty. We present preliminary results on 239 Pu(nth ,f), recently measured at the Budapest Neutron Centre and supported by the CHANDA Trans-national Access Activity, as well as discussing our different published results in comparison to the historical data and what it says about the discrepancy observed in the benchmark calculations.

The earliest known iron artefacts are nine small beads securely dated to circa 3200 BC, from two burials in Gerzeh, northern Egypt. We show that these beads were made from meteoritic iron, and shaped by careful hammering the metal into thin sheets before rolling them into tubes. The study demonstrates the ability of neutron and X-ray methods to determine the nature of the material even after complete corrosion of the iron metal. The iron beads were strung into a necklace together with other exotic minerals such as lapis lazuli, gold and carnelian, revealing the status of meteoritic iron as a special material on a par with precious metal and gem stones. The results confirm that already in the fourth millennium BC metalworkers had mastered the smithing of meteoritic iron, an iron–nickel alloy much harder and more brittle than the more commonly worked copper. This is of wider significance as it demonstrates that metalworkers had already nearly two millennia of experience to hot-work meteoritic iron when iron smelting was introduced. This knowledge was essential for the development of iron smelting, which produced metal in a solid state process and hence depended on this ability in order to replace copper and bronze as the main utilitarian metals.

Carbonate-rich archaeological artefacts are difficult to identify and correlate between them and with raw materials of such heterogeneous geological sources, especially when only non-invasive analysis is possible. A novel combination of X-ray and neutron-based non-invasive analysis is implemented and used for the first time to study prehistoric stone idols and vessels, contributing to culture identity, mobility and interaction in the recent Prehistory of Southern Iberia. Elemental composition was obtained by prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA) and external beam particle-induced x-ray emission (PIXE); homogeneity of the stone artefacts and the presence/absence of internal fractures were obtained by neutron radiography (NR). These atomic and nuclear techniques, simultaneously used for complementary chemical information, have been demonstrated to be of great value as they provide non-destructive compositional information avoiding sample preparation, crucial in so singular and rare objects. The obtained results, especially of PGAA, are very promising and useful in general assessments of provenance. The stone artefacts show signs of both nearby and long-distance procurement, as well as of unknown attribution.