August 4th, 2003
In an effort to understand
the chemical make-up of artifacts in our collection, the Spurlock
Museum, in conjunction with
ATAM (Program on Ancient Technologies and Archaeological Materials)
and MAWG (Midcontinental Archaeometry Working Group), is undergoing
research
using the latest in technology. Using PIMA (Portable Infrared
Mineral Analyzer) spectroscopy, researchers are able to analyze
the chemical
content of artifacts without destructive testing. "PIMA spectroscopy
works especially well for the items in our collection because it
doesn't require us to move them from exhibit or to engage in destructive
testing," states
Collections Manager Christa Deacy-Quinn. |
| Dr.
Sarah Wisseman calibrates the PIMA spectrometer. |
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PIMA
spectroscopy uses the short wavelength infrared part
of the electromagnetic spectrum (from 1300-2500 nanometers)
and measures the reflected radiation from the surface
of a sample. This measurement reveals the interatomic
bond energies characteristic of specific minerals.
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Working
with Dr. Sarah Wisseman, director of the ATAM unit at UIUC,
the Spurlock Museum is analyzing the composition of surface coatings
covering the casts of the Parthenon Frieze and other plaster
cast collections. By understanding the type of surface coatings
used, we hope to restore the pieces to their original
finish.
Learn more: MAWG's use of PIMA
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The PIMA is a shoebox-sized, portable infrared spectrometer that
can be used for qualitative identification of the minerals
in stone and
low-fired clay artifacts. The Instrument can be operated in the
field or in a museum setting, and the analysis is totally non-destructive.
PIMA requires no sample preparation and leaves no radiation damage.
the PIMA window is held up against the flat surface of an artifact
and the reading takes only 30-60 seconds, allowing the rapid collection
of a large number of analyses. Measurements
can be made on whole or partial artifacts, potsherds, rock chips, powders,
and soil samples. |
