European research platform
of ancient materials IPANEMA

Since 2006, some one hundred archaeologists, palaeontologists and scientists working in the fields of cultural heritage conservation and palaeoenvironments have been meeting at SOLEIL synchrotron to assist with the design of this facility and ensure that it meets their extremely stringent requirements with regard to non-destructive analysis. This joint reflection process culminated in the creation of IPANEMA, an expert platform providing access to cutting-edge imaging and microscopy technologies. The platform will commence operations in 2012.
Activities | Infrastructure | Partners | A facility open to exchanges

IPANEMA gives scientists access to a wide range of synchrotron beamlines. Beam-time requests are primarily directed towards X-ray and infrared micro-imaging techniques, as well as X-ray absorption and diffraction techniques. Ultimately, SOLEIL will also offer access to 3D imaging techniques via X-ray microtomography. The IPANEMA project also comprises the construction and operation of a new SOLEIL beamline, PUMA, which has been optimised for ancient materials.
2D micro-imaging | X-ray absorption and diffraction | X-ray micro-computed tomography | PUMA

IPANEMA is entirely devoted to research on materials in the fields of heritage conservation, archaeology, palaeontology and palaeoenvironments. In addition to French and European research teams, it welcomes researchers from all over the world.
Paleontology | Archeology | Paleoenvironnements | Conservation sciences

The IPANEMA team performs research centred on two methodological approaches: analytical methodology of ancient materials and data analysis of ancient materials.
The “Imaging” research axis | The “Multivariate data” research axis

Numerous training initiatives and a thriving scientific culture centred on the study of ancient materials are taking shape at IPANEMA.
Networks and projects | Training | Scientific dissemination | Dissemination to the general public

Find here more information about IPANEMA.