ELISA created by CERN is a miniature innovation that will revolutionize archaeology.
At the heart of the technological advances at CERN, the largest particle accelerator in the world located in Switzerland, a small revolution is taking shape. ELISA, a mini proton accelerator, has been developed to non-invasively explore cave art and other archaeological artifacts, opening new perspectives in the preservation of cultural heritage.
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ELISA from CERN will revolutionize archeology with its approach
Located at the CERN Education and Awareness Center, ELISA (Experimental Linac for Surface Analysis) is integrated into an exhibition, making science accessible and understandable to the general public. This unique device, thanks to its ability to preserve the integrity of samples during analysis, is the first of its kind to be used in this type of context.
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Cutting-edge technology at the service of archeology
ELISA uses a 2 MeV proton beam which, although less powerful than those of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)is perfectly suited to the analysis of small samples. By exciting the electrons in the samples, ELISA causes the emission of photons which reveal the elemental composition of the materials analyzed. This method allows researchers to deduce the composition of pigments and other materials used by our ancestors with unparalleled precision.
Origin and development
The initiative to develop ELISA was taken by Serge Mathota physicist at CERN with previous experience using linear accelerators for medical applications. Seeing the potential for cultural applications, he adapted the technology so that it could also be used in the analysis of archaeological and geological objects.
the ELISA mini-accelerator is now operational. It is used for research involving the analysis of archaeological samples in order to determine their composition. Serge Mathot from CERN and Tessa Charles, from the ANTO accelerator
First promising experiments
Before putting ELISA to the test on real samples, the CERN team carried out tests on paints reproducing those used in rock art. The objective was to calibrate the device to minimize damage while maximizing the precision of the analyses. These initial tests were critical in demonstrating that ELISA could be used safely on valuable cultural materials.
Towards portable technology
Future development of ELISA could include a portable version that would allow researchers to perform analyzes directly at archaeological sites, revolutionizing traditional methods that often require transporting samples to specialized laboratories. This advance would greatly facilitate research in isolated or difficult-to-access regions.
Global impact and future hopes
The possibility of using a portable accelerator like ELISA in the field is eagerly awaited by the archaeological community. Experts like Courtney Nimura of the University of Exeter see ELISA as a revolutionary method that could unlock age-old secrets of rock art and other cultural artifacts.
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ELISA represents a major advance in the field of non-invasive analysis of cultural artifacts. By enabling precise and respectful study of cave art and other archaeological samples, this mini proton accelerator opens new avenues for research and preservation of world heritage. CERN, already recognized for its major contributions to particle physics, marks a new chapter in the use of science to safeguard our common history.
Source images and content: CERN