Many problems in art analysis are quite complex and therefore a combined method approach is often desirable. Mobile equipment can be combined with several non-destructive methods available with the partners in this project (e.g. micro XRF, micro Raman etc.). Moreover, when complex questions are on hand, several methods need to be applied consecutively.

The different partners involved in this work package will integrate their mobile systems and develop common way of working. For now, several systems are already available or in testing (P1 : XRF, P2 : XRF and Raman, P3 : Raman).

Raman mobile system from Gent university (P3)

Particular efforts will be made for improving the positioning systems to have better precision and stability which are necessary for micro-analysis. Another problem we have to deal with will be the miniaturization of the different systems. Specific developments have to be made in the miniaturization of the detectors and of the associated electronics.

The main work will be the comparison with laboratory techniques to improve the quantitative aspect of these non-destructive techniques.

[1] Vandenabeele P., Lambert K., Matthys S., Schudel W., Bergmans A., Moens L., In situ analysis of mediaeval wall paintings: a challenge for mobile Raman spectroscopy, Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 4 (2005) 707712.

[2] Vandenabeele P., Weis T.L., Grant E.R., Moens L.,  A new instrument adapted for in situ Raman analysis of objects of art, Anal. Bioanal. Chem. 379 (2004) 137-142

[3] Strivay D., Weber G., Marchal A., Clar M., Garnir H.P., A XRF portable system for archaeometry measurements, In Situ Non-Destructive Analysis and Testing of Museum Objects, Bratislava (Slovakia), April 2005