Pigment Identification Microscopy Counters Fraud

Do you know how the process of conservation and restoration of art works become successful? Well, consider that before any chemical is placed on the canvass there must first be an analysis on the masterpiece so as to know its chemical compounds. This can only be possible with the aid of optical devices. Pigment identification microscopy thus is important in art preservation.

Microscopy and Pigments

Art work preservation is possible through optical microscopy. It is only through imploring microscopes that you can understand the chemical and physical construct of an art work.

Through optical microscopy you will have the ability to identify pigments, particles, fibers, and other materials. Moreover, by using microscopes a restorer can carry out processes of microchemistry on excessively small particles.

Pigment identification is a process of analyzing the structure and component of art works. It is performed through conducting cross section study of a fragment of the particular paint revealing the layers of shades the artist used in building up the surface of the art work. When the minute particles of the painting are examined closely even the manner of mixing the colors implored in the canvass will be discovered.

Now, the images projected by the microscope can be proof and basis for documentation and discovery. It is also through pigment identification microscopy that a restorer will know the age and origin of the work of art.

The two basic types of instruments used in pigment identification microscopy are electron microscope and polarizing light microscope. Electron microscope can magnify resolutions up to 250 000X.

Electron microscopy is actually one of the most significant and powerful analytical instruments nowadays even in the advent of other kinds of optical devices. This tool is capable of imaging atoms, thus it allows the analysis of impurities found in pigments of the art work. Hence, since the acquisition of this gadget in 1980, tons of research projects prospered.

Polarizing Light Microscope and Electron Microscope

Polarizing light microscope and electron microscope for decades has been regarded as the most vital optical devices ever discovered. Although both of them serve the common purpose of magnifying a particle through a good resolution and contrast, they differ in principle and structure.

Polarizing light microscope can be used in viewing thick polished samples or specimens, whereas the electron microscope can only be used in analyzing thin object. Why? Well, in electron microscope specimens must be resistant to dehydration in the vacuum and beam damage. In the process of electron scattering there is a possibility that through excessive bombardment of electrons overheating may result.

If overheating will occur due to this constant scattering of electrons, the contrast of the image will suffer.

Raman Spectroscopy in Pigment Identification Microscopy

Upon searching for pigment identification microscopy you will always encounter the recently popular topic, Raman spectroscopy. Through this advance microscopic analysis identification of different things is possible.

Nowadays, the center of microscopic analyses is not only focused on pigment identification, but also to other studies like polymers, composites, coating, electronics, corrosion, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and biology.

This stylish fiber-optic explorer of standard optical microscope with an excitation laser, a sensitive detector, and monochromator is connected to a color video camera. The complex structure of this instrument allows the authenticating of not only paintings, but also of frescoes and painted structures. It is also useful in detecting the date and origin of the work of art.

The principle and method of the tool is the scattering of light, this is what permits researchers and restorers to work directly on artifacts without worrying of the removal or destruction of pigment and particles therein.

The Raman spectroscopy is deemed as the best and coolest device in pigment identification and in other similar field. It was popularized by Robin Clark, a researcher at the Christopher Ingold Laboratories of the University College London.

Clark studied pigments and particles off painted statues and frescoes. Upon the realization of his success in using the technique he ventured on the analysis of artifacts and manuscripts in illuminated papyri from ancient Egypt, Medieval Bibles, Persian manuscripts, and others.

Through his scientific journey the Raman microscope was improved so as to accommodate more pigments like indigo, Indian yellow, and verdigris.

Also, thanks to this innovation a recent case study on the supposed illuminated papyri during Ramses II was proven to be a hoax. Researchers proved that the illustrations, although looked authentically ancient, were modern because of the pigments used. Considerably, the pigment Prussian blue, which was first synthesized in 1704, were evident.

Through pigment identification microscopy researchers and restorers can prove the date, origin, and authenticity of an artifact or art work. If it wasn’t because of this technique, historical deceptions will forever be recorded as fact in the pages of our history.

Source of Article:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/light-microscope.htm/printable http://www.polarizingmicroscopes.com/
http://www.archaeology.org/online/news/pigment.html http://www.modernmicroscopy.com/main.asp?article=42&print=true