This book provides practical information on the use of infrared spectroscopy for the analysis of materials found in cultural objects. Designed for scientists and students in the fields of archaeology, art conservation, microscopy, forensics, chemistry, and optics, the book discusses techniques for examining the microscopic amounts of complex, aged components in objects such as paintings, sculptures, and archaeological fragments.
Part 1 History of infrared spectroscopy: additional reading. Part 2 Infrared absorption theory: electromagnetic radiation; absorption theory; infrared spectra; infrared regions; summary; additional reading. Part 3 Sample collection and preparation: sampling methodology; sampling implementation; sample collection and preparation procedures; summary; additional reading. Part 4 Infrared analysis methods: infrared transmission measurements; infrared reflection measurements; infrared microspectroscopy; summary; additional reading. Part 5 Spectral interpretation: infrared spectra; qualitative analysis; identification of materials used in art and art conservation; quantitative analysis; mathematical manipulations of spectra; summary; additional reading. Part 6 Case studies: identification and characterization of materials; deterioration studies; the case studies; case study 1 - ultramarine pigments; case study 2 - creosote lac resin; case study 3 - Chumash Indian paints; case study 4 - varnish on a desk; case study 5 - reflection versus transmission; case study 6 -painting cross sections; case study 7 - vikane; case study 8 -parylene; case study 9 - cellulose nitrate sculptures; 10 - Dead Sea scrolls; summary; appendices.