A mobile instrument for in situ scanning macro-XRF investigation of historical paintings

作者:Alfeld Matthias*; Pedroso Joana Vaz; Hommes Margriet van Eikema; Van der Snickt Geert; Tauber Gwen; Blaas Jorik; Haschke Michael; Erler Klaus; Dik Joris; Janssens Koen
来源:Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2013, 28(5): 760-767.
DOI:10.1039/c3ja30341a

摘要

Scanning macro-X-ray fluorescence analysis (MA-XRF) is rapidly being established as a technique for the investigation of historical paintings. The elemental distribution images acquired by this method allow for the visualization of hidden paint layers and thus provide insight into the artist%26apos;s creative process and the painting%26apos;s conservation history. Due to the lack of a dedicated, commercially available instrument the application of the technique was limited to a few groups that constructed their own instruments. We present the first commercially available XRF scanner for paintings, consisting of an X-ray tube mounted with a Silicon-Drift (SD) detector on a motorized stage to be moved in front of a painting. The scanner is capable of imaging the distribution of the main constituents of surface and sub-surface paint layers in an area of 80 by 60 square centimeters with dwell times below 10 ms and a lateral resolution below 100 mu m. The scanner features for a broad range of elements between Ti (Z = 22) and Mo (Z = 42) a count rate of more than 1000 counts per second (cps)?mass percent and detection limits of 100 ppm for measurements of 1 s duration. Next to a presentation of spectrometric figures of merit, the value of the technique is illustrated through a case study of a painting by Rembrandt%26apos;s student Govert Flinck (1615-1660).

  • 出版日期2013