Fast identification of mural pigments at Mogao Grottoes using a LIBS-based spectral matching algorithm

To quickly identify the mineral pigments in the Dunhuang murals, a spectral matching algorithm (SMA) based on four methods was combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) for the first time. The optimal range of LIBS spectrum for mineral pigments was determined using the similarity value between two different types of samples of the same pigment. A mineral pigment LIBS database was established by comparing the spectral similarities of tablets and simulated samples, and this database was successfully used to identify unknown pigments on tablet, simulated, and real mural debris samples. The results show that the SMA method coupled with the LIBS technique has great potential for identifying mineral pigments.