Neutron Activation Autoradiography for Investigation of paintings

Neutron autoradiography NAR is a nondestructive method for materials characterization and analysis of applied techniques in paintings of prominent masters. The NAR technique allows for visualization of different paint layers, based on the detection of different dominant radioisotopes produced by neutron irradiation, in contrast to the X ray radiography which is sensitive to the distribution of heavy elements only. In many cases, the individual brushstrokes applied by the artist are made visible, as well as changes made during the painting process. When investigating paintings that have been reliably authenticated, it is possible to identify the individual style of an artis