Tracing Craftsmanship: Analyzing Archaeological Objects & Handcraft using micro-XRF Analysis
Objects are far more than flat—they can be curved, bent, or even spiky. Unlike predominantly two-dimensional paintings, which are easily accessible for non-invasive analytical techniques, many Cultural Heritage artifacts are much more complex. Archaeological or handcrafted objects, made from metal, glass, wood, ceramics, stone, and organic materials, often have intricate forms. In such cases, high surface topography presents a significant challenge for imaging analysis with high spatial resolution.
Recent experimental approaches for micro-XRF scanning seek to overcome this obstacle by evaluating techniques that either follow the surface topography or correct post-processed data from open beam systems based on the Ar-signal. However, tracking surface contours is impractical for highly irregular or intricate objects, where the spectrometer cannot always be ideally positioned perpendicular to the surface. Even corrections using the Ar-signal have their limitations. Despite advances in these methods, the complexity of the task remains significant, especially when it involves high-speed movements just millimetres away from a unique and irreplaceable object, increasing the risk of damage.
In this webinar, we will present various approaches for measuring a wide range of Cultural Heritage objects, from crucible fragments to large copper cauldrons, Indonesian meteoritic iron daggers to 18th-century French porcelain, and Italian glass beads to Chinese ceramics. These artifacts share a common challenge—they are often non-ideal for micro-XRF analysis. Factors such as their three-dimensional shapes, complex structures, or non-infinite geometries can complicate the process.
We will introduce different methodologies and workflows to overcome these obstacles, using a variety of case studies. With Bruker's patented Aperture Management System, we can achieve high spatial resolution even on samples with significant topography. This feature of the 2 x 60 mm² SDD high-end M6 JETSTREAM allows us to analyze complex objects without compromising their safety.
If you're curious to discover what spatially resolved micro-XRF can achieve, we invite you to join us for our webinar.
Who Should Watch?
- Everyone interested in or using XRF and micro-XRF as a qualitative and quantitative analysis technique for three-dimensional materials.
- Archaeologist, Object conservators, Cultural Heritage Scientist
- M4 TORNADO and M6 JETSTREAM users
If you found this webinar insightful we encourage you to watch other webinars in our Art & Conservation Series:
Speakers
Dr. Roald Tagle
Global Manager Application Science, Bruker Nano Analytics
Mareike Gerken
Application Scientist, Bruker Nano Analytics
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