Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in the Analysis of Pigments in Painted Artworks. A Database of Pigments and Spectra

The application of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) in the identification of pigments, used in paintings, is outlined. Selected examples from the analysis of pigments in model samples and in painted artworks are given. A spectroscopic database including the analytical spectroscopic information has been developed and used to assist in pigment analysis.