“Non-invasive” portable laser ablation sampling for lead isotope analysis of archaeological silver: a comparison with bulk and <i>in situ</i> laser ablation techniques
Stephen Merkel, Paolo D’Imporzano, Kirsten van Zuilen, Jane Kershaw, G.R. Davies
Abstract
Portable laser ablation is tested for Pb isotope analysis of silver, yielding results comparable to bulk analyses. This low impact method removes the need for invasive sampling, opening the way for analysis of archaeological silver worldwide.
Topics & Concepts
AblationLaser ablationSampling (signal processing)Isotope analysisLaserIn situIsotopeLead (geology)Materials scienceArchaeologyChemistryGeologyOpticsEngineeringGeographyPhysicsAerospace engineeringDetectorOceanographyGeomorphologyQuantum mechanicsOrganic chemistryHeavy metals in environmentMercury impact and mitigation studiesLaser-induced spectroscopy and plasma