Prompt gamma-ray analysis of archaeological bronze

Prompt gamma-ray analysis using the internal monostandard method was applie d to voluminous archaeological bronze mirrors produced in ancient China. Sn /Cu content ratios were determined nondestructively by this method. Further more, Au/Cu, As/Cu, and Sb/Cu content ratios were determined by means of me asuring decay gamma-rays emitted from radioactive nuclides produced within samples via (n,gamma) reactions. It is clear that the Sn/Cu content ratios in bronze mirrors produced in the Sung era is smaller than in ones produced in between the Han and the Tung era.