PIXE ANALYSIS OF BRONZE AND IRON-AGE WEAPONS FROM BACTRIA

PIXE analyses with alpha-particles of an energy of 30 MeV have been pe rformed with the Bonn cyclotron for more than a decade. In this paper we summarize recent improvements of our experimental setup and the dat a evaluation system. The ion beam is collimated by a remotely controll ed diaphragm and exists the vacuum system. This facilitates sample han dling and reduces limitations of the requirements for the samples. To obtain quantitative results the fundamental parameter method is applie d which gives precise results for minor and main elements of thick sam ples particularly at higher ion energies. As an archaeometric applicat ion we analysed alloys used for the manufacture of Bronze and Iron Age weapons from Bactria.