Spatially calibrated elemental depth profiling using LIPS and 3D digital microscopy

The present work proposes a novel approach to the elemental depth profiling based on laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) where the depth calibration is achieved using the 3D digital microscopy. The combination of the two instruments and suitable application methodologies were successfully tested for investigating different artefacts of cultural interest including encrusted stone and copper alloy sculptures and wall paintings. Specific ablation, depth calibration and compositional quantification features of the different materials investigated are discussed in some details. The paper dedicates a particular emphasis to the application of the present combined methodology for archaeometallurgical characterizations.