The chemical synthesis and photoluminescence properties of either dispersed or supported carbogenic nanoparticles are described. In the first case, ionic nanoparticles are obtained by thermal oxidation of an appropriate citrate salt. In the second, carbogenic nanoparticles decorate the external surfaces of zeolite crystals and are obtained by thermal oxidation of a preexchanged zeolite host.

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has emerged in the past ten years as a promising technique for analysis and characterization of the composition of a broad variety of objects of cultural heritage including painted artworks, icons, polychromes, pottery, sculpture, and metal, glass, and stone artifacts. This article describes in brief the basic principles and technological aspects of LIBS, and reviews several test cases that demonstrate the applicability and prospects of LIBS in the field of archaeological science.