Non-invasive portable laser ablation sampling of art and archaeological materials with subsequent Sr-Nd isotope analysis by TIMS using 10(13) Omega amplifiers

A new integrated trace element and multi-isotope provenancing methodology is presented that uses a portable "non-invasive" pulsed laser ablation sampling technique. Samples are collected on location onto Teflon filters for return to a clean laboratory for low blank (pg) geochemical procedures. Ablation pits approximately 60 or 120 mm in width and depth remove mu g amounts of material. Following dissolution, trace element ratios are determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and combined Sr-Nd isotopes by thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Use of 10(13) Omega resistors allows precise analysis of subnanogram amounts of Sr-Nd isotopes, which coupled with the trace element data, provides highly effective multi-variant discrimination for material provenance and authenticity verification. Monitoring of blank contributions is required.