Analysis of Roman-Hispanic Archaeological Ceramics using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a useful tool for characterization of archaeological samples because it involves little or no sample preparation, and it allows on-site rapid and nondestructive analysis. In this study, ceramics from the archaeological site of Labitolosa (Huesca) were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Furthermore, a protocol is described for the determination of iron in archaeological materials by interpolating calibration graphs and standard addition. Moreover, the potential of LIBS for direct quantitative analysis of iron in real archaeological materials was evaluated, and optimum analytical conditions were determined. The reproducibility of LIBS spectra from different archaeological samples was investigated as a function of the number of laser shots. The results were compared with those of a reference material.