Pigment identification in paintings employing laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman microscopy

Abstract

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was used in combination with Raman microscopy, for the identification of pigments in different types of painted works of art. More specifically, a 19th century post-Byzantine icon from Greece and two miniature paintings from France were examined and detailed spectral data are presented which lead to the identification of the pigments used. LIBS measurements yielded information on the presence of pigments or mixtures of pigments based on the characteristic emission from specific elements. Identification of most pigments was performed by Raman microscopy. As demonstrated in this work, the combined use of LIBS and Raman microscopy, two complementary techniques, leads to a detailed characterization of the paintings examined with respect to the pigments used.