Recognition of pigment layers in illuminated manuscripts by means of Kalpha/Kbeta and Lalpha/Lbeta ratios of characteristic X-rays.
X-ray fluorescence analysis with an evaluation of the Kalpha/Kbeta or Lalpha/Lbeta count rate ratios enables a layered structure to be recognized, because the measured ratio of two lines of one element depends on the depth distribution of this element in the analyzed objects. Several specimens consisting of layers of various pigments were analyzed to demonstrate the possibilities of the proposed technique. Then the Lalpha/Lbeta technique was applied in an investigation of cinnabar distribution in mediaeval manuscripts.
Trojek
Tomás
T
Department of Dosimetry and Application of Ionizing Radiation, Czech Technical University in Prague, Praha, Czech Republic. tomas.trojek@fjfi.cvut.cz
Cechák
Tomás
T
Musílek
Ladislav
L
D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D049691:History, Medieval; D008373:Manuscripts as Topic / Q000266:history*; D017669:Mercury Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction / Q000379:methods*
D004396:Coloring Agents; D017669:Mercury Compounds; C034211:cinnabar