Application of PIXRF in the analysis of archaeological glazed tiles

The proton-induced X-ray fluorescence (PIXRF), technique is a powerful tool for elemental analysis and pigment identification. A reaction chamber for the production of intense mono-energetic X-rays by proton impact on thick p ure targets was constructed. The X-rays from Ti, Fe, Cu, Zr, Mo and Ag targ ets passing through a thin Kapton window, were used for elemental analysis of various Iranian tile glazes. The tiles belong to various well-known Iran ian monuments built in 13-19th century. Since the analysis is performed out side vacuum, there is no serious limitation for the sample size under study . Quantitative analysis was performed using an iterative method. (C) 2001 E lsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.