Accelerator radiocarbon dating of artistic artifacts

D. J. Donahue; A. J.T. Jull

doi:10.1117/12.308587

25 May 1998 Accelerator radiocarbon dating of artistic artifacts

D. J. Donahue, A. J.T. Jull

Proceedings Volume 3315, Scientific Detection of Fakery in Art; (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308587
Event: Photonics West '98 Electronic Imaging, 1998, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Accelerator Mass Spectrometry is used to detect the cosmic- ray-produced radioactive isotope, ¹⁴C, in the organic material associated with artworks. The measured radiocarbon content of an artistic artifact, combined with a tree-ring calibration curve that relates radiocarbon content to calendar age, gives information concerning the age of the artifact. This age information can then be used to assist in establishing the authenticity, or lack thereof, of the artifact. Applications of the technique to the study of several artworks will be described.

Citation Download Citation

D. J. Donahue and A. J.T. Jull "Accelerator radiocarbon dating of artistic artifacts", Proc. SPIE 3315, Scientific Detection of Fakery in Art, (25 May 1998); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.308587

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