Everyone has seen a fluorescent painting, but did you know fluorescence (or more-generally photoluminescence) is an effect that may be used to study cultural heritage? Fluorescence phenomena give information about a broad spectrum of materials in a non-invasive manner. Continue reading A fluorescent party: Fluorescence spectroscopy for non-invasive characterization of artwork
Analysis of dyes in textiles is particularly challenging given the complex nature of the mixtures used in their weaving. A novel separation method based on 2-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography shows promise for unraveling what illusive colorants lie within the weave.
Continue reading Untangling the complexity of dyes in historic textiles
The analysis of dyes and lakes is a challenging task for conservation scientists. Nanoparticles and nanocomposites have become a powerful tool to increase the power of spectroscopic techniques, exemplified with SERS. This method not only improves the detection limit but also allows non-invasive analyses. Continue reading Nano-what? Silver nanoparticle gel for identifying pigments
Heritagebites: Easy-to-digest research summaries in cultural heritage research 