Positron annihilation spectroscopy reveals microstructural differences in Goryeo celadon from two kiln regions

This study evaluates the applicability of Doppler broadening spectroscopy (DBS), a positron annihilation–based technique, for microstructural analysis of Goryeo celadon from the Haenam and Gangjin kiln regions. Conventional methods, including X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy, revealed similar crystalline phases, compositions, and glaze redox states, without regional differentiation. In contrast, DBS measurements identified a statistically significant separation in S-parameter values between the two groups. Gangjin samples showed lower S-parameter values, whereas Haenam samples exhibited higher values indicative of greater open-volume defect content. Because this variation is not correlated with flux/SiO 2 ratios, it is unlikely to be explained solely by major-element composition and is consistent with variations in sintering-related structural evolution. Despite the limited sample size, the non-overlapping ranges and large effect support this separation, indicating that DBS can capture defect-scale signatures aligned with documented regional differences in production quality.