X-ray fluorescence in IAEA Member States: Spain

Full text: Instrumental facilities of the ICMUV include: a total reflection X ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometer, and laboratory and portable energy-dispersive X ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometer. These instruments are applied in the field of art and archaeometry. Current projects are in collaboration with the Department of Prehistory and Archaeology (University of Valencia), the Valltorta Museum and Vetraria Munoz de Pablos S.L. In situ analysis of rock art painting by portable EDXRF spectrometry in the Valltorta Valley, East of Spain: A purpose of the research was to investigate the elemental composition of the prehistoric cave paintings located in the Valltorta Valley in Coves de Vinroma (Castellon, Spain) and to demonstrate the usefulness of portable EDXRF spectroscopy for in situ elemental analysis. Analysis of the red and black pigments by portable EDXRF showed the presence of iron and manganese compounds, respectively; in the future it will facilitate sampling decisions prior to use of other analytical methods to obtain additional information about chemical composition, structure and preparation techniques. Application of portable EDXRF system to the study of ancient glasses: Since there is no method available to determine directly the age of glass objects, it is necessary to compare the material composition of questionable pieces with genuine pieces. Therefore, a non-destructive and sensitive analytical technique was needed with a capability to perform in-situ measurements in order to avoid transportation of precious and fragile objects to the analytical laboratory. A portable EDXRF system meets these requirements more than adequately. The application of a portable XRF spectrometer for solving authenticity-related problems in the field of ancient glasses has demonstrated its capability for revealing essential information for study of the Stained Glass Windows of Avila Cathedral. During the restoration work, clear differences in the composition of glasses from the Renaissance and 20th century were found by the EDXRF analysis. The measurements provided a large comparable set of reference data for glass research. Because of a small information depth for the light element fluorescence lines (especially Na and Mg), alternative methods are required. The quantification procedure included deconvolution of the peak areas with measured peak profiles determined by using standard glass materials provided by Verrerie Saint-Just or by comparison with well known glasses. The same procedure was applied to the study of buried glasses from the Morella excavation. In the last case, enamelled pieces of glass were studied. The results were compared with different pieces coming from the same area (author)