Fiber laser LIBS as a sensing tool for chemical mapping of heritage tiles

Heritage preservation requires innovative sensing technologies to analyze their chemical composition while minimizing damage. This study introduces a Laser-induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) system featuring a fiber laser source and optical fiber-based collection system for the analysis of heritage ceramics. Comparative experiments with a conventional Nd:YAG laser LIBS system highlight the advantages and trade-offs of the fiber laser system in terms of ablation capability, spectral mapping, and depth profiling. Results were validated against X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Experiments demonstrate minimal surface alteration and high-quality spectral data for elements such as Pb, Fe, Zn, Sb, Mn, Ti Na, Ba and Ca. The compact design and good results position this system as a transformative tool for heritage conservation.