29133 - Spectroscopy And Cultural Heritage (2nd cycle)

Learning outcomes

After completing this unit, the student should be able to sketch a plan for the analysis of a Cultural Heritage sample, he should be familiar with the sample preparation . The student should also know the modern spectroscopic techniques and be able to interpret the spectra obtained from the analysis of the samples.

Course contents

The aim of the course is (i) to provide the general theoretical basis needed  for a proper understanding of spectroscopical phenomena and (ii) to discuss various spectroscopic technique important for the study of Cultural Heritage materials, introducing methodologies, range of applications and examples. The course is organized in two  modules that will be taught by Prof. F. Tamassia (A) Prof. C. Zannoni (B). The course will cover the following topics:

(A) 

Interaction radiation-matter.

Harmonic oscillator as a quantum model. Molecular vibrations.

Lasers.

Infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Fourier transform spectroscopy.

Examples of applications to materials in cultural heritage.

Numerical exercises on the various topics are solved. 

(B)

-An introduction to colours and their generation. Dyes and Pigments. Absorption, scattering.  colours in semicondutors. colours and nanoparticles. Brus equation. Nanoparticle based cultural heritage materials  (e.g. lustre, purple of Cassius).. Reflectivity in metals. Selective reflectivity from periodic structures. Band gap. Photonic crystals and their colours. Lasing effects.

- Fluorescence spectroscopy. Elements of the technique. Applications of fluorescence mapping to investigate organic depositions on works of art (e.g. paintings)

- Xray techniques. Introduction to Xray sources (including synchrotron radiation).   Powder and surface micro-diffraction (examples of pigment identifications, identification of ceramics or porcelain components).  

. Dielectric spectroscopy. Introduction. Real and imaginary part of the dielectric susceptivity as a function of frquency- Molecular interpretation. Applications

- Magnetic Resonance Techniques: Introduction to NMR. Portable NMR- MOUSE (mobile universal surface explorer)- applications to  porous materials. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR). Introduction to the technique. Some relevant applications (e.g. fossile dating)              

Readings/Bibliography

Single chapters of several books will be recommended. In particular chapters from

John M. Brown, Molecular Spectroscopy.

Oxford Chemistry Primers.

A printed copy of the lecture slides  will be given to the students before each group of lectures starts.

Teaching methods

All subjects are discussed in detail during the lectures. Students are invited to participate with questions and comments. 

Assessment methods

Oral Examination at the end of the course

Teaching tools

Black board and transparencies. Powerpoint slides

Office hours

See the website of Claudio Zannoni

See the website of Filippo Tamassia