Laser-based X-ray and electron source for X-ray fluorescence studies

摘要

In this work we present a modification to conventional X-rays fluorescenceusing electrons as excitation source, and compare it with the traditional X-rayexcitation for the study of pigments. For this purpose we have constructed alaser-based source capable to produce X-rays as well as electrons. Because ofthe large penetration depth of X-rays, the collected fluorescence signal is acombination of several material layers of the artwork under study. Howeverelectrons are stopped in the first layers allowing therefore a more superficialanalysis. We show that the combination of both excitation sources can provideextremely valuable information about the structure of the artwork.