TABLE OF CONTENTS The ability of Raman spectroscopy to analyse micrometer-sized particles without any need for sample preparation is advantageous for its application to art and archaeology. Moreover, access to robust and compact spectrometers, often equipped with fibre optic probes, opens up the possibilities for in situ measurements using Raman spectroscopy. In parallel with the evolution of instrumentation, the technique has become increasingly important in the investigation of artefacts, and artistic and archaeological materials.
Raman spectroscopy has several features in its favour, which make the technique extremely suitable for studying artefacts of relevance to art and archaeology. Because of its non-destructive character, the technique may be used for the direct investigation of art objects. The use of microscope optics allows the investigation of micro-samples, for instance, in order to study a layered composition. If sampling is not allowed, by using fibre optic probes the method may be applied for the direct analysis of large artefacts. Being a molecular spectroscopic technique, Raman...
