Surface mapping of archaeological objects using laser ablationinductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) anddouble pulse laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS)

Local analysis of histological structures is often used in medicine, environmental science, anthropology and paleonthology. Mapping of elemental composition of bone and tooth cuts filled with polyester resin was carried out using a LA-ICP-MS device (UP 213 New Wave and Agilent 7500ce ICP-MS). On the opposite, LIBS is potentially more portable but not as sensitive as LA-ICP-MS. This had lead to experiments which compared these techniques. To ensure maximum lateral resolution at acceptable level of atomic emission intensities a double pulse LIBS was employed.