The Micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) imaging technique is used to study small sample areas with high lateral resolution. µXRF mapping is particularly valuable for obtaining the elemental distribution maps of fine details in paintings, archaeological artifacts, tuttavia can also be applied to macroscopic contexts. It provides important insights into raw materials, manufacturing techniques, provenance, artistic processes, restorations, while also detecting signs of degradation.

Micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) is an elemental analysis technique that allows the investigation of small sample areas to better elucidate elemental distribution images with high lateral resolution. Additionally, µXRF can be applied to the study of macroscopic contexts (e.g., paintings). Like conventional XRF instrumentation, micro-X-ray fluorescence uses direct X-ray excitation to induce characteristic X-ray fluorescence emission from the sample for elemental analysis. Unlike conventional XRF, which typically has a spatial resolution ranging in diameter from several hundred micrometers to millimeters, µXRF employs X-ray optics to restrict or focus the excitation beam to a small spot (in the range of tens of microns) on the sample surface, enabling the analysis of fine features. Micro X-ray fluorescence (µXRF) provides valuable information about the nature of raw materials, manufacturing technologies, provenance, creative processes, the presence of retouching, restorations, and conservation treatments, while also highlighting evidence of degradation processes.

Activity should be performed following the local rules ofor radioprotection. Permissions must be granted by the user before starting the activity.