X‐ray fluorescence investigation of the shroud of turin

Abstract

Abstract We present results of X‐ray fluorescence measurements on the Shroud of Turin. Quantitative estimates are given for the observed trace quantities of calcium, iron and strontium, and detection limits are established for other elements of potential interest. The calcium and strontium appear as uniform background distributions. Iron traces are observed in all of the data spectra but their local concentrations vary. Comparisons between image and off‐image areas reveal no differences, within the precision limits of the data, that would indicate the presence of pigments or dyes containing high‐C elements. In ‘blood’ stain regions the measurements show significantly higher concentrations of iron. However, the data do not allow a unique identification of the stain's origin. Quantitative comparisons are made between the shroud results and similar measurements on whole blood and Fe 2 O 3 stains.

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