Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)- application in archaeology and art

Experimental set-up for LIBS analysis λ = 1064 nm E= 5-10 mJ t= 5 ns Repetition rate – 10 Hz

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Crater, formed after laser ablation crater

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Qualitative analysis

Quantitative analysis Calibration curve for quantitative analysis of the bronze samples SampleSn, %w/wCu, %w/w Sample 617.5± Sample ± Sample 127.2± Sample ± Sample ±1.487 Sample ±

Why LIBS in cultural heritage? straightforward and simple analytical technique; very rapid technique, giving results within seconds; minimally destructive; sample preparation is minimized; ability to analyze solid, liquid or gaseous samples, including metals, ceramics, marble, stone, glass, pigments, biomaterials; no limitation for the size of the samples; ability to depth profile of the sample; ability to provide both qualitative and quantitative multi-elemental analysis; possibility of using the technique in situ.

Possibility of using the technique in situ