Material distributions in paper and paper coatings are important factors wh
ich determine the characteristics and quality of paper. We have used laser-
induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) to determine various properties of coate
d and uncoated papers. Depth profiles of double coated papers were determin
ed. Microscopic variations of pigments in a double-coated paper were analyz
ed. It was observed, that the two coating layers can be distinguished, if t
hey differ enough in composition. Filler distributions of uncoated copier p
apers were determined. The surface of the paper was studied for five sample
s containing different amounts of binder in the coating. Lateral contaminat
ion in paper analysis i.e. splash over effect of ablation was studied by va
rying the sampling distance and number of laser pulses used for ablation. I
nfluence of splash over effect on lateral analysis is briefly discussed. (C
) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.