Radiocarbon and Cosmogenic IsotopesThe laboratory activity is focused on archaeological research using radiocarbon. The overall approach used for radiocarbon dating is to first define as well as possible the context from which the samples are obtained, which involves extensive field work. The samples are then pre-screened for preservation and contamination, in order to identify those most suitable for dating. The quality of the samples is then re-evaluated after the cleaning procedures, and only then is the sample prepared for radiocarbon analysis. The laboratory has much expertise characterizing charcoal, bone collagen, wood and parchment.
The sample preparation laboratory is equipped with a computer controlled vacuum line facility for preparing graphite targets. A new NEC accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS) is on order and will be delivered in November 2012. A 100 square meter laboratory is being built to house the AMS. The laboratory will be under the directorship of Dr. Boaretto and will be managed by Dr. Noemi Rebollo.
Geoarchaeology
This laboratory uses mainly micromorphology, mineralogical and phytoliths analyses to better understand site formation processes and to reconstruct site activities. Ethnoarchaeological studies are also carried out. The laboratory has facilities for preparing thin sections of embedded sediments, extracting phytoliths from plants and sediments, an infrared spectrometer for mineralogical analysis and petrographic microscopes.Residue Analysis
Dr. Dvory Namdar
Research in this laboratory focuses on extracting small and relatively stable organic residues from ceramics from the Iron Age in Israel in order to address archaeological questions regarding varied economical aspects. The laboratory is equipped with a gas chromatograph and a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS) (Agilent Technologies). The latter is also equipped with a pyrolyzer/desorber.Archaeometallurgy
Drs. Adi Eliyahu, Naama Yahalom and Sana Silshtein
This laboratory uses mainly X-ray fluorescence, mineralogical and microstructure analyses to study objects and artifacts related to copper and iron metallurgy from the Iron Age in Israel. The laboratory is equipped with all the necessary instruments for preparation of samples for elemental and optical analyses, and has access to on-campus electron microscopy facilities. The laboratory operates a Spectro Xepos X-ray Fluorescence spectrometer for elemental analyses and uses an Oxford Link EDS system attached to a Leo Gemini scanning electron microscope.Materials Characterization
Understanding material structure and preservation is the key to many applications in archaeology. Mineral identification and characterization in particular can provide much insight into site formation processes, as well as reconstructing past activities. Identification and characterization of charred and un-charred organic materials is also of much importance. The Center has a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (Nicolet 380 with far-IR capability) and two transportable Nicolet 200 FTIRs.On-site Laboratory
At the excavation we operate one or two Nicolet portable FTIR spectrometers and a portable petrographic microscope. At the base camp we carry out phytolith concentration analyses, phosphate analyses, micro-artifact determinations and if necessary we bring the transportable XRF to the base camp.
On-Campus Facilities:
Center for Electron Microscopy
This Center is located in a new building close to the Kimmel Center and contains transmission electron microscopes for biological research, as well as for materials research. The latter includes a Philips Technai 300 with an energy filter for obtaining atomic resolution images and analyses. The Center also operates 3 scanning electron microscopes (Leo Gemini, Leo Supra and a Philips XL30 ESEM) both equipped with energy dispersive spectrometers (EDS) for elemental analyses. The microscopes are operated by researchers after undergoing training, and their use is on a per session charge basis.
Analytical Facilities:
The Center has access to on-campus facilities that include a Bruker Infrared microscope, an FT_Raman spectrometer, a Remishaw Raman microscope, TGA-DTA analyser, CHNO analyser and an array single crystal and powder X-ray diffractometers. The Center also has access to a state-of-the-art micro-CT (XRadia-400).