Applications of non-cryogenic portable EDXRF systems in archaeometry

In this paper the most relevant developments in the realisation of portable Energy-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) equipments are discussed. In particular, the latest advances in non-cryogenic (Peltier cooled) X-ray detectors and miniaturised X-ray generators are shown. The energy resolution of the new detection systems is adequate to resolve the characteristic X-ray emission lines of contiguous elements. This small size and low power make the system ideal for portable instrumentation and have stimulated the development of small- and low-power X-ray generators which can be used for the excitation of fluorescence radiation in a broad energy range (5–40 keV). Finally, the use of EDXRF related to archaeometric research (pigments in ancient paintings and major elements in the metal alloys) is emphasised. Recent results obtained with new HgI2 and silicon PIN detector systems combined with miniaturised highly stable air-cooled X-ray generators are described.