LASER-INDUCED FLUORESCENCE IN ARTWORK DIAGNOSTICS - AN APPLICATION INPIGMENT ANALYSIS

The applicability of laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) spectroscopy as a nondestructive analytical technique for artwork diagnostics is inves tigated, In this work, LIF is employed in the examination of a set of cadmium sulfide- and cadmium selenide sulfide-based pigments in a seri es of oil painting test samples. Fluorescence spectra of the oil color s are recorded upon pulsed laser excitation at 532, 355 (Nd:YAG), and 248 mn (KrF excimer), The technique is shown to be suitable for differ entiating among the various cadmium pigments used in this study and, f urthermore, to be capable of identifying individual components in mixt ures of these pigments on the basis of their characteristic fluorescen ce emission. Future prospects and the potential for the extension of L IF from a research laboratory technique into a conservator's tool for artwork diagnostics are discussed.