Abstract
Fibre-optic reflectance spectroscopy is widely used as a tool for the analysis of coloured materials such as pigments and paints. We describe a new design for a FORS probe which is held some 5cm away from the sample surface and interrogates a spot of 2mm diameter, offering a significant advantage over existing methods. The spectrometer employs an illuminance of 1250lux, equivalent to 0.5mWcm−2 averaged across the visible spectrum. The spectral measurements take less than a second ensuring that the risk of sample photodegradation is minimal. Under these conditions there is no detectable temperature rise of the illuminated area. Increasing the illuminance above 25mWcm−2, a light level significantly higher than that required for our measurements, gave rise to significant localised temperature rises in model manuscripts. This demonstrates the need for caution when using this technique for the analysis of precious heritage items.
Highlights
Fibre-optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), is a well established technique employed to determine the reflectance spectra of artists’ materials, such as pigments and paint binders, used in manuscripts or paintings.[1]
The content must not be changed in any way
The illuminance of Fibre-optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS) spectrometers, whether they be home-made or commercial instruments, should be established and operators must demonstrate that they do not bring about any significant rise in temperature for samples prior to their use
Summary
Fibre-optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS), is a well established technique employed to determine the reflectance spectra of artists’ materials, such as pigments and paint binders, used in manuscripts or paintings.[1]. Link: Northumbria University has developed Northumbria Research Link (NRL) to enable users to access the University’s research output.
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