Description
PIXE (particle-induced X-ray emission) and XRF (X-ray fluorescence) have been widely applied in cultural heritage studies due to their non destructivity, high sensitivity and relatively simple implementation under atmospheric-pressure conditions (1).
Recently, laser-driven protons and X-rays have also begun to be applied in the field of cultural heritage research (3), offering the advantage of the simultaneous production of protons, X-rays, and electrons. By separating these particles, it becomes possible to implement three different analytical techniques PIXE, XRF, and EDS within a single experimental apparatus.
In this presentation, we will emphasize the specific characteristics of heritage materials and briefly address the main issues relevant to archaeology and art conservation. We will then review the principal strengths of PIXE and XRF in cultural heritage studies, highlighting both their advantages and limitations. Selected application examples, obtained from both conventional and laser-driven sources, will be presented to illustrate the significant impact of archaeometry and conservation science. Finally, the status and future perspectives of the ELI-Beamlines facility for cultural heritage applications will be discussed.
(1) Dran, J.-C., Calligaro, T., and Salomon, J. 2000. Particle induced x-ray emission. In Modern analytical methods in art and achaeology, vol. 155, 135–166, ed. Ciliberto and Spoto, Chemical analysis, New York: John Wiley.
(2) Creagh, D. 2007. Synchrotron radiation and its use in art, archaeometry, and cultural heritage studies. In Physical techniques in the study of art, archaeology and cul¬tural heritage, vol. 2. Oxford: Elsevier.
(3) F. Mirani et al. Integrated quantitative PIXE analysis and EDX spectroscopy using a laser-driven particle source.Sci. Adv.7,eabc8660(2021).DOI:10.1126/sciadv.abc8660
