Multi-spectroscopic characterization system for cultural heritage materials analysis (SYSPECTRAL): Conception and...

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Materials Science
• Conservation Science

Background:

• Cultural heritage analysis often requires multiple techniques, risking damage to fragile artifacts.
• In situ analysis is crucial to avoid sampling and preserve artworks.
• Current methods may not provide simultaneous elemental and molecular data at the same point.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel, integrated multi-spectroscopic system (SYSPECTRAL) for in situ cultural heritage analysis.
• To enable simultaneous elemental and molecular characterization of materials at a single point.
• To create a compact, mobile, and user-friendly system for non-destructive analysis.

Main Methods:

• Integration of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), Laser-Induced Fluorescence (LIF), Raman Spectroscopy, and Reflectance Spectroscopy.
• Utilizing a single pulsed laser source for LIBS, LIF, and Raman measurements.
• Development of specialized software for system control, imaging, localization, and data acquisition.

Main Results:

• The SYSPECTRAL prototype successfully merges four spectroscopic techniques into one portable unit.
• The system allows for in situ, non-destructive analysis of cultural heritage materials.
• Reflectance spectroscopy analyzes surface properties, while LIBS-LIF-Raman probes stratigraphic structure.

Conclusions:

• SYSPECTRAL offers a comprehensive approach to analyzing cultural heritage materials in situ.
• The integrated system provides both elemental and molecular information, crucial for understanding material composition and degradation.
• This technology advances non-destructive analysis in art conservation and diagnostics.