Scientific dating of Heritage Objects: Accelerator mass spectrometry techniques for cultural heritage studies and objects authentication

Dating of art objects was a mainstream of radiocarbon studies from the very beginning of technique invention. However, only with the development of accelerator mass-spectrometry (AMS) and substantial reduction of sample mass requirements this became widespread and applied to the wide range of various objects of cultural significance.

The presentation explains the basic principles of radiocarbon dating and accelerator mass-spectrometry, as well as Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANTSO) capabilities in this field. Examples of various applications to cultural heritage objects done at CAS ANSTO spanning from Egyptian artifacts to rock art and architecture are also shown and discussed. Special attention is paid to dating modern objects.

About Dr Levchenko

Dr Vladimir Levchenko background is in Physics, specifically in Astrophysics and Cosmic Rays. Early part of his career was dedicated to cosmic rays and solar variability studies. Application of cosmogenic isotopes brought him to different fields more dedicated to terrestrial events like Climate Change and isotopic dating. Dr Levchenko worked at CSIRO Atmospheric Research, Australian National University, and finally for the last 20 years at ANSTO developing the accelerator mass-spectrometry capabilities, especially radiocarbon analysis, and applying this technique to wide range of studies from climate and geophysics to anthropology and cultural heritage preservation.