ENERGY-DISPERSIVE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS OF CHINESE PORCELAINS USING Am-241

Americium-241 source was used to investigate elements whose fluorescent X-ray energies are between about 25 and 40 keV. We did not find any correlation between the amount of the elements present and the time of manufacture except for barium, which can therefore be used to detect modern reproductions. This method of detection is both quick and non-destructive.