Comparison of three portable EDXRF spectrometers for pigment characterization

In the field of cultural heritage analyses, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence is a well known nondestructive technique used - among other applications - to characterize pigments and inks in artifacts such as paintings, polychromous sculptures and illuminated manuscripts. In this paper, we report on the performance of three portable X-ray fluorescence analyzers currently used for laboratory or in situ analyses. The three spectrometers have been tested in laboratory on paint layers prepared to simulate real ones, with the specific goal to determine advantages and disadvantages for each instrument in the detection of specific elements characterizing the pigment. Additionally, overall general advantages and limitations of each system in practical use are highlighted. Copyright (C) 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.