Development and Use of Portable XRF for Scanning Art and Archaeological Artifacts at Sub-Micron Resolution

Scanning X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry has quickly developed into a valuable tool for the analysis of art and archaeological finds. The development of handheld XRF to perform scanning at sub micron resolution will be discussed. Collimator shape and design in conjunction with taking advantage of the diffraction of brass an increase in photon exposure can be attained. Examples will be given from both works of art and archaeological finds, as well as the potential for use in-situ in the field.