Role of laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry in cultural heritage research: A review

摘要: Cultural heritage represents a bridge between the contemporary society and past populations, strong collaboration archaeologists, art historians analysts may lead to decryption of information hidden in an ancient object. Quantitative elemental compositional data play key role solving questions concerning dating, provenance, technology, use relationship cultures with environment. Nevertheless, scientific investigation artifact should be carried out complying some important constraints: above all analyses as little destructive possible performed directly on object preserve its integrity. Laser ablation sampling coupled inductively plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) fulfils these requirements exhibiting comparably analytical performance trace element determination. This review intends show through applications found literature how valuable is contribution LA-ICP-MS materials such obsidian, glass, pottery, human remains, written heritage, metal objects miscellaneous stone materials. The main issues related cultural are introduced, followed by brief description features this technique. An overview exploitation then presented. Finally, advantages drawbacks technique critically discussed: fit for purpose prospects