Characterisation of ancient and art nouveau glass samples by Pb isotopic analysis using laser ablation coupled to a magnetic sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-SF-MS)

Abstract

LA-ICP-MS was applied for the characterization of historic glass samples by Pb isotope ratios. Laser and ICP-MS parameters were adjusted in order to obtain accurate data with minimum total combined uncertainty and minimum damage to the samples. Moreover, we evaluated mass discrimination correction procedures for these specific samples. No significant laser induced mass bias effects could be observed for glass samples by comparing LA-ICP-MS with pneumatic nebulisation ICP-MS. Iridescent Art Nouveau lead crystal glass samples were analyzed and it could be proved that the material of the single layers originates from different glass sources. The analysis of glass fragments from the archaeological site in Ephesos, Turkey, showed only a low concentration of Pb. Nevertheless, we achieved a successful differentiation of the investigated samples via the Pb isotope ratios whereas multi element pattern did not allow grouping of the data.