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Ten Kamares ceramic sherds coming from Phaistos (Crete), belonging to the 'gold' period from MM IB to MM IIB (about 1850 to 1700 bc) were analysed by the use of the recently upgraded LNS portable Particle Induced X-ray Emission-alpha spectrometer. Elemental quantitative analysis of various coloured pigments (black, red-orange and white) was performed. The results are compared with previous data obtained by the use of the same technique for Minoan pottery spanning a larger time period (AM I-MM III). Some considerations about the production technology are presented. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE)-alpha portable spectrometer of the Laboratori Nazionali del Sud has been upgraded to improve X-ray energy resolution and efficiency. A value of 124 eV at Mn Κ α-line and a factor of 3 were, respectively, achieved. These enhanced capabilities allowed the thin surface examination of 5 Roman nummi, in which previous near-surface X-ray fluorescence measurements revealed traces of mercury. In particular, the new version of the PIXE-alpha spectrometer has allowed the distinction of the 2.19 keV Hg M-line from the 2.30 keV S K-line and the 2.34 keV Pb M-line. Subsequent elemental association has demonstrated a correlation between surface mercury and silver. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]