X-Ray Methodologies for Cultural Heritage
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
Obiettivi del corso in lingua inglese: The specific goal of the course is to provide competence for the management of non-invasive X-ray based techniques for CH, namely concerning choice, data analysis and handling and conclusions on the artefact in study
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge of principals of radiation-matter interaction and possible applications to diagnostics on CH, with particular attention to non-invasive techniques.
Lesson period: Second semester
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Teaching during the emergency phase takes place remotely, using digital tools provided by the university (online platforms), through live video lessons (synchronous mode), shared materials, and remote workshops in small groups.
Course syllabus
1. X-Rays: the structure of matter, What X-rays are, Properties of X-rays, Interaction of X-rays with matter
2. XRF analysis: principles and applications to C.H.
ED-XRF: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
TXRF: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
Micro-XRF: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
3. PIXE analysis: principles and applications to C.H.
PIXE: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
Differential PIXE: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
PIXE-ALFA: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
4. XRF, PIXE, SEM: comparison and synergies, Examples of complementary applications on BC.
5. RADIOGRAPHY AND DIFFERENTIAL RADIOGRAPHY: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Examples, comparison with other imaging techniques.
2. XRF analysis: principles and applications to C.H.
ED-XRF: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
TXRF: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
Micro-XRF: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
3. PIXE analysis: principles and applications to C.H.
PIXE: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
Differential PIXE: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
PIXE-ALFA: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Qualitative and quantitative analysis, Examples
4. XRF, PIXE, SEM: comparison and synergies, Examples of complementary applications on BC.
5. RADIOGRAPHY AND DIFFERENTIAL RADIOGRAPHY: General overview, applications, instrumentation, Examples, comparison with other imaging techniques.
Prerequisites for admission
No additional requirements are needed beyond the skills acquired in the bachelor's degree program.
Teaching methods
The course consists of lectures and exercises. A part of the supplementary activities will be provided with videos and/or in the laboratory (if possible).
Teaching Resources
Materiale di Riferimento Inglese: Slides on Ariel website. Further texts: Misurare l'arte. Vol. 1: Tecniche analitiche non distruttive per lo studio dei Beni Culturali.
Assessment methods and Criteria
: Ongoing tests and presentation of a case study. If tests are failed: oral exam on the whole program. Knowledge of the physiscal phenomena related to the techniques and of the application fields in the study of Cultural Heritage will be assessed.
FIS/07 - APPLIED PHYSICS - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Bonizzoni Letizia Maria Agostina
Professor(s)