Budapest Neutron Center

Budapest Neutron Centre (BNC), a consortium of Centre for Energy Research and Wigner Research Centre for Physics, offer access to a broad selection of instruments for non‐destructive investigation of Cultural Heritage objects, utilizing the neutrons produced at the Budapest Research Reactor. The applied analytical and scattering methods can reveal the element composition and structure of even complex Cultural Heritage objects made of stones, ceramics, metals and glass. The analytical and structural information can be combined with 2D or 3D images obtained using neutrons of various energies or X-ray radiation. In most cases, even large objects (~10-20 cm) can be investigated without any sampling or destruction. A handheld XRF is complementing the on‐site instrument suit. The ensemble of instruments offered by BNC is a unique opportunity in Europe for non‐invasive investigation of museum artefacts, as neutron-based and complementary techniques are concentrated within a single campus. The instrument scientists and other involved senior staff members have more than 20 years of experience in Heritage Science research. This competence is inevitable for the proper interpretation of the data. BNC has a well-established co‐operation with major Hungarian museums, academic institutions and universities relevant to Heritage Science, as well as with international partners. Both institutions are founding members of the Hungarian Infrastructure Platform in Heritage Science (E-RIHS.hu)