From International Conference to Proposal for Application of Nuclear Technology in Cultural Heritage Conservation and Materials Research in Vietnam

Opening the workshop, Associate Professor Dr. Ho Manh Dung, senior researcher, presented some of the content collected from two prestigious international scientific forums that he represented Vietnam to participate in. This is important information, which can open up some potential applied research directions and bring practical value to the research and development activities of the Center in the coming time.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Ho Manh Dung presented at the Scientific Conference.

Firstly, the ISINN-31 Conference "Interaction of Neutrons with Nuclei", organized by the Joint Institute for Nuclear Research (JINR-Dubna, Russia) in Dongguan City, China, from May 25-30, 2025. The conference focuses on topics of neutron physics, notably: Fundamental properties of neutrons; fundamental interactions and symmetry in neutron-induced reactions; properties of component nuclear states, nuclear structure; nuclear data; nuclear fission; neutron measurement methods; ultracold neutron physics (UCN); neutron-based nuclear analysis techniques; accelerator-driven systems (ADS); effects of neutron radiation; nuclear reactor physics; radiation transport and simulation, and advanced neutron sources (spallation),...

The program's Executive Board and delegates exchanged and discussed at the Workshop.

At this Conference, the Vietnamese representative presented the report "Development of neutron activation analysis method based on k-zero normalization for short-lived nuclei". The work was carried out at the Dalat Nuclear Reactor, using the Channel 13-2 fast activation system and the 'k0-Dalat' software, allowing automation of the entire process from neutron activation irradiation to data processing. The final results achieved an accuracy of 5-8% when analyzing biological and environmental samples with short-lived nuclei with half-lives ranging from tens of seconds to several minutes ( ^77m Se, ¹¹⁰ Ag, ²⁰ F, ^179m Hf, ⁵¹ V & ^46m Sc). This research has opened up potential application directions in life science and environmental research, focusing on neutron-activated elements forming short-lived nuclei, and at the same time contributed to the training of a doctoral student who successfully defended his thesis.

Second, the "IAEA-NUS" Workshop on the Application of Advanced Accelerator-Based Nuclear Analysis Techniques in Cultural Heritage Objects. This international event was organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in collaboration with the National University of Singapore (NUS) in Singapore from May 19-23, 2025. At the Workshop, the Vietnamese representative reported on the existing capacity of units in Vietnam in the analysis of archaeological artifacts and cultural heritage: the Institute of Nuclear Research, with k0 _- NAA and PGNAA techniques on the Da Lat Nuclear Reactor, along with machine learning data processing; Hanoi University of Science, with the ability to analyze PIXE using a Tandem accelerator; Vietnam Institute of Archaeology, with in-depth knowledge of archaeology, the ability to date with C-14 isotopes and handheld XRF; Ho Chi Minh City Nuclear Center, with capacity in k0 _- NAA, XRF, thermoluminescence (TL), photoluminescence (OSL) and radiocarbon (C-14) dating.

Vietnam's proposal at the Workshop on integrating existing nuclear techniques in domestic units and promoting international cooperation to enhance capacity received broad support from colleagues attending the Workshop.

The participation and active contributions at these two international scientific events have contributed to demonstrating Vietnam's research capacity and potential in the field of nuclear technology. From the valuable information and lessons learned from the two international conferences mentioned above, the speaker raised a number of promising research and application directions for the Ho Chi Minh City Nuclear Center and its domestic and foreign partners. Specifically:

On preserving cultural heritage:

Analysis of metal artifacts: Application of k ₀ -NAA, PGNAA, PIXE, XRF techniques to study bronze drums, ancient iron tools, helping to decipher metallurgical techniques and ancient trade networks, thereby enriching understanding of Vietnamese history and culture;

Non-destructive testing: Using neutron/gamma imaging to examine the internal structure of artifacts such as wooden statues and ceramics without causing damage;

Sterilization of heritage specimens: Gamma irradiation to sterilize paper, wood, or fabric documents in the humid climate of Vietnam, helps to better preserve specimens.

About Materials Research:

Radiation resistance assessment (in cooperation with JINR, Russia and CNS, China): In-depth research on the effects of neutrons on semiconductor materials (e.g. GaN, AlGaAs) for important applications in medicine, industry and aerospace, contributing to the development of national high technology;

Development of hybrid composite materials (in cooperation with JINR, Russia): Focus on manufacturing new generation neutron/gamma detectors with superior performance;

Neutron diffraction research (in collaboration with CNS, China): Detailed analysis of material structures at the atomic and molecular levels, providing insights into their physical properties.

On building a Cooperation Network to enhance Vietnam's research capacity and create multidisciplinary cooperation opportunities:

Establish and strengthen cooperation with partners in the Asia-Pacific region such as China, Australia, and ASEAN countries (Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia) in researching common heritages;

Cooperating with IAEA to upgrade PIXE system (Hanoi University of Science) and PGNAA system for large samples (Nuclear Research Institute).

The workshop was lively with many opinions exchanged and discussed. The speaker directly answered questions from the delegates, clarifying information as well as key scientific content of the presented issue.

At the end of the workshop, many delegates expressed their hope that the Ho Chi Minh City Nuclear Center would continue to promote international cooperation, knowledge transfer and development of nuclear technology applications for the dual goals of preserving cultural heritage and promoting research on advanced materials. The speaker also emphasized that the Center should recommend that leaders at all levels pay attention to supporting the upgrading of equipment and infrastructure to meet the requirements of research and implementation of new tasks. The workshop is expected to be an important stepping stone to realizing multidisciplinary projects in Vietnam.

The workshop ended with new prospects, inspiring scientists, especially the younger generation, to continue to explore and innovate, contributing to realizing the dual mission of preserving the thousand-year-old cultural heritage and developing future materials using nuclear technology. Ho Chi Minh City Nuclear Center is committed to continuing to promote cooperation and research activities to realize the set goals.

Ho Chi Minh City Nuclear Center, Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/tu-hoi-thao-quoc-te-den-de-xuat-ung-dung-cong-nghe-hat-nhan-trong-bao-ton-di-san-van-hoa-va-nghien-cuu-vat-lieu-tai-viet-nam-197250722125905936.htm