Micro-area Quantitative and Imaging Analysis of the Qin Terracotta Warriors via Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Author:
Affiliation:

Fund Project:

  • Article
  • |
  • Figures
  • |
  • Metrics
  • |
  • Reference
  • |
  • Related
  • |
  • Cited by
  • |
  • Materials
    Abstract:

    The Terracotta Warriors, one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, provide critical insights into the artistic, technological, and military achievements of the Qin Dynasty. This study established a micro-area quantitative and imaging analysis method for the Qin Terracotta Warriors using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Matrix-matched calibration standards were produced using the powder–pellet method, thereby ensuring the reliable quantification of both major and trace elements. Optimized ablation parameters (energy density of 8.3 J cm?2, repetition rate of 20 Hz, and spot size of 100 μm) yielded stable signal intensities with relative standard deviations below 10%. The application of this method to multiple fragments of the Terracotta Warriors revealed compositional variations associated with color differences, structural layering, and excavation contexts. Quantitative accuracy ranged from 80% to 120%, and elemental imaging was achieved at a spatial resolution of 100 μm. High-resolution multielement maps illustrated the heterogeneous distributions of Cu, As, and Co linked to the pigment residues, offering new insights into pigment preparation techniques and post-burial alteration processes. Overall, the results demonstrate that LA-ICP-MS is a minimally destructive and high-resolution analytical tool that is well suited for the compositional and technological investigation of archaeological ceramics.

    Reference
    Related
    Cited by
Get Citation

Guoxia Zhang, Xiaoxi Li, Desheng Lan, Yin Xia, Ping Zhou, Qing Li, Zheng Wang*. Micro-area Quantitative and Imaging Analysis of the Qin Terracotta Warriors via Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry[J]. Atomic Spectroscopy,2025,46(6):568-576.

Copy
Share
Article Metrics
  • Abstract:
  • PDF:
  • HTML:
  • Cited by:
History
  • Received:
  • Revised:
  • Adopted:
  • Online: December 15,2025
  • Published:
Copyright © 2026 Atomic Spectroscopy Press Ltd All rights reserved
Supported by:Beijing E-Tiller Technology Development Co., Ltd.