ALPHA Art Conservation Analyzer
FT-IR spectroscopy is a widespread and powerful tool for the identification and characterization of a diverse range of materials. Molecular structures and components are identified via their typical infrared absorption bands. FT-IR spectroscopy can be applied for the qualitative characterization of materials, as well as for their quantification. In recent years, FT-IR spectroscopy has increasingly been employed to analyze the surfaces of materials and objects before their restoration, providing valuable information for choosing the best restoration method.
Until now, the application of FT-IR spectroscopy was restricted to the laboratory, as it was not possible to analyze the artwork on-site. Samples of frescos or mural paintings had to be taken off-site and subsequently shipped to a laboratory for analysis. The traditional FT-IR analysis of artwork in the lab is therefore destructive and time-consuming. Furthermore, it is causing additional costs (e.g. transportation and time) and the number of samples that can be taken for analysis is limited. Until now the potential of FT-IR spectroscopy for the restoration of artwork has not been fully exploited. With Bruker’s new portable ALPHA FT-IR spectrometer, on-site analysis of frescos and wall paintings in a contactless and non-destructive manner is now possible.
The ALPHA, with it's Video Reflection Module can sit on a tripod, and be used for the surface analysis of mural paintings, coatings and other art pieces for conservation and research studies.
Related Links
- Application Note AN # 77 Contactless analysis of mural paintings with a new portable FT-IR analyzer
- Webinar: Utilization of Infrared and Raman Spectroscopy for the Chemical Analysis of Art - Click here for the recording
