Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for the analysis of model samples of historical paintings


  Eva Pospíšilová^1, Karel Novotný^1,2,4, Richard Ševčík^1, Jozef Kaiser^3,4, Pavel Pořízka^3,4,
                                David Hradil^5,6, Janka Hradilová^5

  ^1Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Kotlářská 2, Brno, CZ-61137,
                                          Czech Republic

 ^2Masaryk University, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC MU), Kamenice 753/5, Brno,
                                     CZ-62500, Czech Republic

 ^3Brno University of Technology, Central European Institute of Technology (CEITEC BUT), Purkyňova
                                123, Brno, CZ-61200, Czech Republic

   ^4 AtomTrace s.r.o., Vědecko-technický park profesora Lista, Kolejní 9, Brno, CZ-61200, Czech
                                             Republic
^5Academy of Fine Arts in Prague, ALMA laboratory, U Akademie 4, Prague 7, CZ-17022, Czech Republic

  ^6Institute of Inorganic Chemistry of the AS CR, v.v.i., ALMA laboratory, Husinec-Řež, CZ-25068
                                          Czech Republic


Keywords: LIBS, Deep profiling, Historical paintings


Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has a high potential in the analysis of the objects of
cultural heritage^1. However it is a microdestructive technique and it is essential to optimize
effects of laser-matter interaction and laser ablation on the particular material under
investigation. Model multilayered samples containing traditional pigments were prepared on a wooden
support (5 x 10 cm) with each layer partly revealed. Influence of the parameters, especially of the
laser energy, on the depth profile and the crater size was observed and evaluated.


Broadband spectra were first acquired using Sci-Trace instrument (AtomTrace, Czech Republic)
equipped with echelle spectrometer Emu-65 (Catalina Scientific, USA) and EMCCD camera (Falcon Blue,
Raptor Photonics, IE). Significant element lines were chosen and samples were then re-measured
using modified ablation system New Wave UP-266 MACRO equipped with Czerny Turner monochromator
(TRIAX 320, Jobin Yvon, France) and an ICCD detector (PI max 3, Princeton Inst., USA). Obtained
spectra were processed to create the depth profiles of the samples.


References:

^1   Analysis of fresco by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy: Caneve, L., et al. Spectrochimica
Acta Part B: Atomic Spectroscopy 65.8 (2010): 702-706.