Comparative study of mobile Raman instrumentation for art analysis

• Published in: Analytica chimica acta Vol. 588; no. 1; pp. 108 - 116
• Main Authors: Vandenabeele, P., Castro, K., Hargreaves, M., Moens, L., Madariaga, J.M., Edwards, H.G.M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier B.V 04.04.2007; Elsevier
• Subjects: Analytical chemistry; Archaeology - instrumentation; Archaeology - methods; Archaeometry; Art analysis; Chemistry; Clinical Laboratory Techniques; Comparative study; Equipment Design; Exact sciences and technology; Fiber Optic Technology; Fibre optic; General, instrumentation; Mobile equipment; Raman instrumentation; Raman spectroscopy; Research Design; Spectrometric and optical methods; Spectrum Analysis, Raman - instrumentation; Spectrum Analysis, Raman - methods; Raman instrumentation; Archaeometry; Mobile equipment; Raman spectroscopy; Fibre optic; Art analysis; Comparative study; Performance evaluation; Resolving power; Inorganic pigment; Routine analysis; Instrumentation; Calibration; Sample preparation; Portable equipment; Raman spectrometry
• ISSN: 0003-2670; 1873-4324
• DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2007.01.082

In archaeometry, one of the main concerns is to extract information from an art object, without damaging it. Raman spectroscopy is being applied in this research field with recent developments in mobile instrumentation facilitating more routine analysis. This research paper evaluates the performances of five mobile Raman instruments (Renishaw RA100, Renishaw Portable Raman Analyser RX210, Ocean Optics RSL-1, Delta Nu Inspector Raman, Mobile Art Analyser - MArtA) in three different laboratories. A set of samples were collected, in order to obtain information on the spectral performances of the instruments including: spectral resolution, calibration, laser cut-off, the ability to record spectra of organic and inorganic pigments through varnish layers and on the possibilities to identify biomaterials. Spectra were recorded from predefined regions on a canvas painting to simulate the investigation of artworks and the capabilities to record spectra from hardly accessible areas was evaluated.