The High Energy Accelerator Research Organization (KEK) promotes basic research in a wide range of fields using state-of-the-art large accelerators. In particular, the Institute for Materials Structure Science (IMSS) is studying materials and life science using a wide variety of quantum beams such as synchrotron radiation, neutrons, and muons. By utilizing the three quantum beams, this project aims to increase the quantity and diversity of data, analyze important materials and present new findings based on a common understanding with archaeology and cultural heritage researchers, and develop new fusion research between engineering and humanities sciences. Specifically, we will establish a nondestructive elemental analysis method for archaeological materials and cultural properties located throughout Japan using the world's most intensive negative muon beamline, and provide a new technique of identifying the timing and location of their production. In parallel, by utilizing quantum beams such as synchrotron radiation and neutrons, which provide complementary information, we aim to form a research platform that integrates arts and sciences to provide in-depth insights into archaeological and cultural heritage research from a different perspective.
TAMPO Motonobu, KODA Akihiro, TAKESHITA Soshi, UMEGAKI Izumi, SHIMOMURA Koichiro, MIYAKE Yasuhiro
SAITO Tsutomu (National Institutes for the Humanities・National Museum of Japanese History)
KUTSUNA Takahiko (National Museum of Nature and Science)
For common cultural properties, we will perform detailed imaging and elemental analysis near the surface using synchrotron radiation, investigate hardness and residual stress using neutrons, and perform nondestructive elemental analysis and imaging from subsurface to deeper inside using muons.
