Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) measures trace element concentrations in archaeological artifacts by bombarding samples with neutrons and analyzing the resulting gamma-ray emissions. Developed as a systematic archaeological method by Michael Glascock and colleagues, INAA provides chemical fingerprints of ceramics, obsidian, and other materials that reveal sourcing and provenance. The method is non-destructive, highly sensitive, and capable of detecting 30+ elements simultaneously.