FIP Seminar: Micro Spatially Offset Raman Spectroscopy for subsurface analysis of painted layers

The knowledge of the composition of artworks subsurface is critically important. Direct information on the stratigraphy of painted surfaces is essential for conservation as well as deeper understanding of artist's technique. It is also important to monitor the presence of decay products under the surface or the distribution of conservation treatments inside the substrate. In general, Raman spectroscopy can probe subsurface composition only with (semi-)transparent samples. With paintings the layers are however often highly diffused scattering. Recently, a new Raman method (micro-SORS) for the investigation of materials subsurface has been developed which provides analytical capability for investigating non-invasively the chemical composition of subsurface, micrometer scale-thick diffusely scattering layers at depths more than an order of magnitude larger than those accessible with conventional confocal Raman microscopy. The most significant experiments and applications of micro-SORS will be presented, demonstrating its high potentiality in Cultural Heritage as well as in food and polymer fields. Claudia Conti is PhD in Materials Engineering at Politecnico of Milan (Italy) and researcher at the Italian National Research Council, Institute for the Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage (ICVBC), the scientific path is characterized by a highly multidisciplinary approach, which covers the areas of chemical sciences applied to the conservation of Cultural Heritage.