On October 15, the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute announced that it is applying a number of nuclear techniques to preserve and promote cultural and historical values in Lam Dong and An Giang. Nuclear analysis methods have brought great advances in analyzing information hidden in ancient artifacts that traditional methods cannot achieve.
A corner of the temple ruins at Cat Tien relic site
Nuclear techniques have been successfully applied at relic sites such as Cat Tien (Lam Dong), Oc Eo (An Giang) and tested at the National Archives Center IV (Da Lat). Accordingly, neutron activation analysis (NAA), thermoluminescence dating (TLD) and gamma and X-ray irradiation have made important contributions to the dating and preservation of cultural heritage.
Specifically, the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute uses the NAA method to determine the chemical composition of artifacts, classify and group artifacts. This is a non-destructive analysis method, very effective in studying historical specimens, especially in the field of archaeology, helping researchers accurately determine the chemical composition of artifacts without damaging them. Applying this technique allows the study of artifacts from archaeological sites, through which scientists can identify and classify their origins, and assess the level of cultural exchange between different regions.
Dalat Nuclear Research Institute
With TLD techniques supporting the decoding of the mysteries of the dating of architectural works that have not been thoroughly studied, the dating of non-organic artifacts such as brick architecture, the application of TLD can provide important information to accurately determine the dating of layers at Cat Tien relics. This helps to clarify the process of cultural development and construction techniques of the residents in this area, from the early stages to the more brilliant stages of development.
Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks at National Archives Center IV were tested for preservation using gamma irradiation and low-energy X-rays.
The experiment of preserving tens of thousands of Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks (wooden engravings) by gamma irradiation and low-energy X-rays at the National Archives Center IV has shown many outstanding advantages. Specifically: protecting the woodblock heritage from termites and harmful molds without leaving chemical residues on the surface of the artifacts, without changing the color or natural structure of the wood..., helping to save time and effort in the preservation process compared to traditional chemical methods.
Ruins of mounds 2A and 2B at Cat Tien relic site
According to Master Tran Quang Thien (Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute), the combination of nuclear technologies not only helps to decode many mysteries of the past but also protects precious heritage for future generations; thereby contributing to enhancing the historical and cultural value of relic sites and national archives.
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