X‐Ray Techniques Dedicated to Materials Characterization in Cultural Heritage

Abstract

AbstractThis article discusses the basic principles, methodological features, instrumental characteristics, and practical applications of X‐ray techniques in cultural heritage. X‐ray techniques are a set of well‐defined methods for determining the chemical composition and properties of samples. In the field of cultural heritage, material characterization provides valuable information on archaeological materials for understanding heritage assets and ensuring their sustainability. X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) is a versatile method for qualitative and semi‐quantitative elemental analysis. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) is a characterization method to define the properties of the crystal structure of materials. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is a chemical tool for understanding the surface chemistry of materials. X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) is a powerful probe for determining the local atomic environment of individual atomic species. X‐ray imaging methods are used for visualization and examination of the objects under study, including X‐ray radiography (XRR) for the non‐destructive inspection of objects, X‐ray computed tomography (XCT) for revealing the internal structure of materials, and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for the diagnosis of bone health. X‐ray techniques represent key analytical techniques in archaeometric investigations and provide valuable insights into the cultural significance of artifacts.