XRF imaging and related methods for artworks investigation

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is a well-established technique for the investigation of art objects and archaeological materials. Its configuration as an imaging technique applied in situ with more and more advanced mobile instruments represents an outstanding evolution. This work presents a novel mobile X-ray scanner based on a real-time technology developed at the LANDIS laboratory of IBAM-CNR and LNS-INFN in Catania. The system, named LANDIS-X, integrates MA-XRF, micro-XRF and confocal-XRF for performing the 2D/3D elemental imaging of artworks. LANDIS-X is equipped with a spectrometric head consisting of a microfocus X-ray source focused with a polycapillary and two SDD detectors operated in parallel. MA-XRF and Micro-XRF analysis is possible over an area of $110\times 70$ cm${}^{2}$ at 100 mm/s. A rotational scanning is also available with the aim to perform the elemental imaging of artworks with complex three-dimensional geometry. Finally, a conical polycapillary is installed on an ancillary SDD detector allowing us to use the confocal-XRF for the elemental depth profiling of multi-layered samples. Some examples of application are presented and discussed.