Selected Applications of MIMOS II in Archaeology

Paulo de Souza1,2, G. Klingelhöfer2, B. Bernhard2,3, P. Gütlich2

1. Tasmanian ICT Centre, CSIRO, Hobart, Australia2. Inst. Anorg. Analytical Chemie, Universität Mainz, Germany3. von-Hoerner&Sulger GmbH, Schwetzingen, Germany

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Outlook

• Motivation• Space Payload Constraints• Chinese Wall Painting• Pigments on a Greek Vase• Were Celtic weapons burnt in sacrifices?• Miniature from the XV Century• Supporting Restoration of a Roman Mask• Archaeological artefacts are unique pieces• Non-destructive analysis is necessary• MIMOS II:

• Works on backscatering geometry

•Does not require sample preparation

•Is Portable

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Constraints of MIMOS II

• Weight (~ 400 g)

• Vibrations

• Power (~ 3 W)

• Size (5x5x9) cm3

• Backscattering

• Calibrations

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Chinese wall painting (Eastern-Han Dynasty)

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Pigments on a Greek Vase

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Helmet Knob: burnt in sacrifices?

Magnetite

Magnetiteand

Maghemite

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Miniature from XV Century

Artefact kindly provided by Gutenberg Museum in Mainz

4 ½ days, 80 mCi source.

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Restoration of a Roman Mask

Restoration of a Roman Mask

wüstite

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Conclusions

• MIMOS II is a suitable tool for archaeological applications.

• MIMOS II could provide non-destructive analysis of a variety of archaeological artefacts.

• Data from MIMOS II supported hypothesis of burning weapons after battles (magnetite to maghemite)

• Data from MIMOS II supported the restoration of a roman mask.

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”

Contact UsPhone: 1300 363 400 or +61 3 9545 2176

Email: enquiries@csiro.au Web: www.csiro.au

Tasmanian ICT CentreDr. Paulo de SouzaSenior Research Scientist

Phone: 03 6232 5538Email: paulo.desouza@csiro.auWeb: www.ict.csiro.au

“Gütlich, Bill, Trautwein: M össbauer Spectroscopy and Transition Metal Chemistry@�� Springer-Verlag 2009”