Recognition of pigment layers in illuminated manuscripts by means of Kα/Kβ and Lα/Lβ ratios of characteristic X-rays

X-ray fluorescence analysis with an evaluation of the Kα/Kβ or Lα/Lβ count rate ratios enables a layered structure to be recognized, because the measured ratio of two lines of one element depends on the depth distribution of this element in the analyzed objects. Several specimens consisting of layers of various pigments were analyzed to demonstrate the possibilities of the proposed technique. Then the Lα/Lβ technique was applied in an investigation of cinnabar distribution in mediaeval manuscripts.