Published 2025-08-12
Keywords
- Non-destructive investigations,
- Neutron imaging,
- Milan Cathedral tie-rods,
- Chiaravalle Cross
How to Cite
Copyright (c) 2025 Daniela Di Martino

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Abstract
Neutrons, as a function of their energy and wavelength, are highly penetrating in matter and allow non-invasive analysis in materials, therefore being a well-suited tool to support heritage science studies. The Physics Department at the University of Milano-Bicocca has long standing collaborations with neutron facilities worldwide, and has coordinated several measurements campaigns in heritage science. In particular, two case studies will be presented. The first, concerning the characterization of the iron tie rods of the Milan Cathedral that act as a static consolidation between the pillars. The second, concerning the analysis of tiny gold filigrees of the Chiaravalle Cross, a precious and complex masterpiece of jewelry. preserved at the Milan Cathedral Museum.