The use of X-ray fluorescence, X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy is widespread in a great number of laboratories that study ancient materials. The applications of synchrotron radiation in archaeology and Cultural Heritage are a direct extrapolation of the use of laboratory devices with a higher photon flux that improve the detection limits and help map out surfaces very rapidly. Moreover the possibility of obtaining a monochromatic beam makes it easier to move on to the quantitative study.

In addition, methods such as X-ray absorption (EXAFS, XANES), which provide chemical information on the elements of a material, are almost exclusively developed at synchrotrons.

In the field of archaeology and Cultural Heritage, the SOLEIL synchrotron is one of the two only European centers with the SRS at Daresbury (Angleterre) to have announced a specific program.

In addition, synchrotron sources cover different domains of the light spectrum. The synchrotron SOLEIL spectrum will cover X-rays from the hard infrared to the hard X-rays, with an optimum suited to the implementation of techniques in the domains of infrared, visible, UV and low energy X-rays known as soft X-rays.

By comparison with other methods, the use of photons (X-rays, infrared etc.) is generally no or little destructive. In particular, most methods do not require the samples to be put under vacuum. It is also possible to work on bulk samples (without sampling, or prior preparation) in a great amount of cases. The sample environment (support, bulk) is generally very polyvalent.

Radiation damages occur however under certain conditions (mostly hard X-rays). In these sensitive cases, the beam can be focalized on a very small surface (about 1 micrometer per 1 micrometer) to limit the size of the affected areas (micro-destructive analysis).

Information is available on this web site.

For additional information, contact the officer for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage who will direct you to the persons in charge of the beamline. The synchrotron SOLEIL is open to the creation of long-term partnerships, at regional, national or international level.

Don't hesitate to get quickly in touch with us.

In the framework of research projects, access to the machine will be free of charge for the user. It will require an application file that will be assessed. The officer for Archeology and Cultural Heritage of the synchrotron SOLEIL can help you do this.

For more applied fields (large series of similar samples) or for specific requests (rapid access for help in authentication), the synchrotron SOLEIL proposes specific modalities such as, for instance, long term projects with public partners.

[web page under preparation]