engleski

A portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for the analysis of art objects

A field-portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzer was developed and assembled at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna in order to enable in-situ examinations in the field of archaeometry. The system is based on energy dispersive XRF using a 50 W X-ray tube of Oxford, type XTF5011, a silicon drift detector (SDD) of Röntec, type XFlash 1000, and two lasers as pointing devices. A software package based on National Instruments LabVIEW was developed for simultaneous digital control of all system components, for readout of the acquired data as well as for convenient presentation and analysis of the spectra. Subsequently, the measured or stored data could be analysed using a conventional software package like the WinAxil© Software from Canberra Eurisys/Belgium. In the paper the system’s analytical capabilities are compared with the results obtained by a laboratory XRF and a comparative evaluation of the systems is established. In combination with the overall miniaturization of all devices it was possible to assemble a really portable computer controlled measurement system which can be used for in-situ examinations and studies of art objects in museums and galleries, ceiling frescos in churches and cathedrals, or archaeological findings at the excavation sites.

X-ray spectrometer; portable; non-destructive art analysis; mural painting;

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