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Time-Gated Raman Spectroscopy Decodes Degradation Pathways in 3,000-Year-Old Ivories: A Fluorescence-Free Approach to
Jinchang Xu1, Qing Xiao2, Yuanyuan Niu1
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Terahertz Quantum Electromagnetics, GBA Branch of Aerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510700, Guangdong, China.
Abstract:
Archaeological ivories are of great cultural significance but pose analytical challenges due to heterogeneous surface composition and intense fluorescence. In this study, 532 nm time-gated Raman spectroscopy was employed to overcome these limitations, enabling high spatial resolution and effective fluorescence suppression for detailed compositional analysis. Four ivory samples from Sacrificial Pits No. 3 (K3) and No. 7 (K7) exhibited markedly different preservation states. K3 samples showed evidence of copper corrosion, lower fluorescence intensity, and greater calcium loss, while K7 samples suffered from more severe sulfate-driven hydroxyapatite degradation. Sulfate substitution was found closely associated with phosphate peak broadening and surface discoloration, identifying it as a key indicator of mineral deterioration. Residual protein was detected in all specimens, with K3 samples retaining higher nitrogen content. These results demonstrate the strength of time-gated Raman spectroscopy for nondestructive, spatially resolved analysis of ancient ivory and reveal degradation pathways shaped by burial microenvironments─offering essential insights for the scientific conservation of archeological ivory.
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