A non-destructive view with X-rays into the strain state of bronze axes

In this paper we present a new approach using highly surface sensitive X-ray diffraction methods for archaeometrical investigation highlighted on the Neolithic Axe of Ahneby. Applying the sin2Ψ-method with a scintillation detector and a MAXIM camera setup, both were usually applied for material strain analysis on modern metal fabrics. We can distinguish between different production states of bronze axes: cast, forged and tempered. The method can be applied as a local probe of some 100th of μm2 or integrative on a square centimeter surface area. We applied established synchrotron radiation based methods of material strain mapping and diffraction on a Neolithic bronze axe as well as replicated material for noninvasive analysis. The main goal of the described investigations was to identify the effects upon the bronze objects of post-cast surface treatment with stone tools and of heat treatment.