What does non-destructive analysis mean?

Abstract

The idea of non-destructive elemental composition analysis is reviewed. The term non-destructive has many definitions in many different fields, as well as different definitions within a single field. The definition of non-destructive is discussed for several different fields: archeology, paleontology, forensics, space science, geochemistry. Activation analysis techniques, claimed to be used non-destructively in many fields, are used as a lens to provide a unique perspective on what non-destructive means. A list of criteria was created to create a broad, general definition of non-destructive. Finally, photon activation analysis is discussed as a potential non-destructive technique for bulk elemental composition analysis of large samples.

Keywords:

• non-destructive analysis
• elemental composition analysis
• chemical composition analysis
• photon activation analysis
• non-consumptive analysis

Public Interest Statement

Non-destructive elemental analysis is vital in a variety of fields, including forensics, paleontology, archeology, and space science. A plethora of techniques is available for elemental analysis, each with its own particular strengths and weaknesses. Despite the indispensable utility of non-destructive analysis, the term itself is used in a very subjective and inconsistent manner. This paper aims to show this subjectivity and inconsistency by reviewing definitions from the aforementioned fields. After this, the physical principles of several commonly used “non-destructive” techniques are discussed to highlight some important considerations one must take note of when using the term. From this, a general set of guidelines is proposed to aid in the development of more standard definitions and usage of the term. Lastly, photon activation analysis is briefly discussed as a potentially non-destructive technique with some unique characteristics making it potentially suitable for fields where non-destructivity is important.

Competing Interests

The authors declare no competing interest.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Tyler C. Borgwardt

The photonuclear physics research group at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is focused on applying photonuclear physics to a variety of interesting problems, including elemental analysis and medical isotope production. In particular, photon activation analysis is the main tool for exploring interesting applications in a variety of fields. Thus far, provenance studies in paleontology have been conducted, medical isotope feasibility studies have been performed, and an impurity analysis and exploratory study has been performed for an absolute neutrino mass experiment. Applying photon activation analysis to paleontology created discussions about non-destructivity and what issues need to be considered. This coupled with work toward using photon activation analysis as a forensics tool has created a unique perspective, showing a need to create and apply a more rigorous, consistent definition. The current paper is to be viewed as a first step toward that goal. In the authors’ minds, a better understanding will lead to unique applications for photon activation analysis in paleontology, forensics, and beyond.