Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and hyper-spectral imaging analysis of pigments on an illuminated manuscript

Abstract

Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used for the first time in the in-situ identification of pigments in an illuminated manuscript dated from the 12th-13th century ad. Spectral data are presented from the analysis performed on the illumination of an initial letter ‘T’ and on the gold paint used in several parts of the writing. Identification of most pigments, in a nearly non-destructive way, was achieved. In parallel to LIBS, hyper-spectral imaging analysis was performed, which enabled the mapping of the pigments’ spatial distribution on the basis of their characteristic, visible and near infrared absorption spectral features. The identification of the red pigment based on hyper-spectral imaging analysis is demonstrated. Identification of pigments and inks is of great importance for the dating and systematic characterization of illuminated manuscripts and, as shown in this work, a combined analytical approach can provide important and useful information.