Laser-Induced Fluorescence in Artwork Diagnostics: An Application in Pigment Analysis

Abstract

The applicability of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy as a nondestructive analytical technique for artwork diagnostics is investigated. In this work, LIF is employed in the examination of a set of cadmium sulfide- and cadmium selenide sulfide-based pigments in a series of oil painting test samples. Fluorescence spectra of the oil colors are recorded upon pulsed laser excitation at 532, 355 (Nd:YAG), and 248 nm (KrF excimer). The technique is shown to be suitable for differentiating among the various cadmium pigments used in this study and, furthermore, to be capable of identifying individual components in mixtures of these pigments on the basis of their characteristic fluorescence emission. Future prospects and the potential for the extension of LIF from a research laboratory technique into a conservator's tool for artwork diagnostics are discussed.