The Small Angle Scattering technique: an effective tool in the structural investigation of archaeologically relevant specimens

An overview of application of Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) techniques to topics of interest in the field of Cultural Heritage is presented. The basic concepts of the technique, a description of sources and laboratory instrumentation and some models and methods for data analysis are discussed. Applications of SAXS to various kinds of materials are reported to obtain information on the structure useful to shed light in some subjects such as preparation, physical treatment, traceability and degradation of materials