Spectroscopic analysis of works of art using a single LIBS and pulsed Raman setup

A nanosecond pulsed laser setup has been optimized to perform laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and pulsed Raman spectroscopy measurements in the field of cultural heritage. Three different samples of artistic/architectural interest with different typologies have been analyzed. The results from the two techniques allowed the identification of the materials used in their manufacture or contaminating them, probably coming from atmospheric pollution and biological activity. No sampling and sample preparation was required before the measurements, and no visual or structural damage was observed. Depth profiling using LIBS was performed in one of the samples, providing elemental information along the different layers composing the object and covering its surface. The quality of the results and the rather short time needed for the measurements and for switching between techniques confirmed the instrument’s capabilities and specificity for dealing with objects of artistic or historical interest.

[1]  Shiv k. Sharma,et al.  New trends in telescopic remote Raman spectroscopic instrumentation. , 2007, Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy.

[2]  J. Martínez-Frías,et al.  Identification of calcite grains in the Vaca Muerta mesosiderite by Raman spectroscopy , 2003 .

[3]  A. Migliori,et al.  Differential PIXE for investigating the layer structure of paintings , 2005 .

[4]  Robin J. H. Clark,et al.  Pigment identification by spectroscopic means: an arts/science interface , 2002 .

[5]  P. Vandenabeele,et al.  Raman spectroscopic analysis of the Maya wall paintings in Ek'Balam, Mexico. , 2005, Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy.

[6]  Z. Szökefalvi-nagy,et al.  Non-destructive XRF analysis of paintings , 2004 .

[7]  R. J. Clark,et al.  Raman microscopy as a structural and analytical tool in the fields of art and archaeology , 2007 .

[8]  T. Trojek,et al.  X-ray fluorescence as a tool for investigating archaeological finds , 2007 .

[9]  Demetrios Anglos,et al.  Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology , 2001 .

[10]  Paraskevi Pouli,et al.  Measuring the thickness of protective coatings on historic metal objects using nanosecond and femtosecond laser induced breakdown spectroscopy depth profiling , 2005 .

[11]  Demetrios Anglos,et al.  Laser Diagnostics of Painted Artworks: Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Pigment Identification , 1997 .

[12]  Demetrios Anglos,et al.  Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) in archaeological science—applications and prospects , 2007, Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry.

[13]  D. Thompson,,et al.  The craftsman's handbook : the Italian "Il libro dell' arte" , 1960 .

[14]  T. Trojek,et al.  X-ray fluorescence in investigations of archaeological finds , 2007 .

[15]  Vincent Detalle,et al.  An example of the complementarity of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman microscopy for wall painting pigments analysis , 2007 .

[16]  Demetrios Anglos,et al.  Spectroscopic analysis using a hybrid LIBS-Raman system , 2006 .

[17]  I. Osticioli,et al.  Analysis of natural and artificial ultramarine blue pigments using laser induced breakdown and pulsed Raman spectroscopy, statistical analysis and light microscopy. , 2009, Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy.

[18]  Lucia Toniolo,et al.  Spectrochemical characterization by micro-FTIR spectroscopy of blue pigments in different polychrome works of art , 1999 .