Portable macro x-ray fluorescence spectrometer enables routine investigation of old-master paintings

04-Apr-2013 - Belgium

A portable macro x-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer has been developed for the examination of historical paintings in situ. The device, which will be commercially available, enables scientists to look for layers of paint hidden below the visible top layer. This often reveals any alterations or customisations that have been made, or whether the artist re-used canvases from previous work.

While XRF spectroscopy is a well-established technique for the investigation of paintings, such apparatus is usually custom built and not widely available. The new spectrometer is portable and can be positioned in front of the painting to be examined. The machine can image sections of 60x80cm at a time with dwell times less than 10ms and a lateral resolution below 100mm.

 

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Topic World Spectroscopy

Investigation with spectroscopy gives us unique insights into the composition and structure of materials. From UV-Vis spectroscopy to infrared and Raman spectroscopy to fluorescence and atomic absorption spectroscopy, spectroscopy offers us a wide range of analytical techniques to precisely characterize substances. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of spectroscopy!

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