PIXE analysis of historical paintings: Is the gain worth the risk?

摘要: Abstract The PIXE analysis of easel paintings constitutes a challenging task. Despite recognized merits and few emblematic applications, has never been routinely applied to these fragile, complex precious targets. present work discusses the place in study opens up perspectives for more systematic usage this analytical technique. Progress achieved since decades implementation such fragile cultural heritage artefacts is reviewed, notably at LABEC laboratory Italy AGLAE facility C2RMF France. Two specific techniques developed are detailed exemplified on Renaissance painting masterpieces: differential paint layers depth profiling multi-scale elemental mapping imaging pigment distribution. Beam-induced damage, major concern, depends employed beam fluence particle/cm 2 or μC/cm . After recalling previous works damage induced chemical products comparable pigments, we behaviour under different fluences protons MeV (1–300 μC/cm ) targets having high resemblance historical paintings: pellets specially synthesized lead white mixed with linseed oil areas containing two 19th century paintworks. results shed new lights paintworks pave way strategies mitigation. In particular, lowering performance by decrease sets trade-off between risk gained information which also impacts scanning protocol paintings. As an illustration adequate adjustment balance, report exploratory application large area without damage. recorded maps compared collected same using laboratory-based XRF.