Three-dimensional micro-XRF investigations of paint layers with a tabletop setup

The non-destructive investigation of art and archaeological objects with depth sensitivity is now possible using 3D micro-XRF spectroscopy. More detailed answers for questions on painting techniques, on the pigment palette, on the production processes and indirectly on dating or provenancing of objects are accessible now. This was already illustrated by the investigation of Mughal miniatures with a confocal setup at the synchrotron source BESSY. In this paper we demonstrate the feasibility of 3D micro-XRF spectroscopy with a tabletop setup and discuss its sensitivity in comparison to the synchrotron-based setup. Investigated objects are glass standards and also prepared paint layers. Perspectives for other types of studies are proposed. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.