X-ray fluorescence spectrometry in art and archaeology

This paper presents examples of analyses by x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry in art and archaeology, including pigments in paint layers and illuminated manusripts, of iridescent glasses and of medieval coins. Theoretical aspects of information depths and shielding effects in layered materials are discussed. Element maps were experimentally obtained by a specially designed x-ray spectrometer (1 × 1 mm pixel resolution) and by electron-excited XRF (electron microprobe). Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.