- Understand the position of X-rays within the electromagnetic spectrum.
- Explain atomic structure, including the role of protons, electrons, and electron shells.
- Describe the three primary phenomena of X-ray interaction with matter: photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and Rayleigh scattering.
- Illustrations of the electromagnetic spectrum and atomic structure.
- Diagrams demonstrating photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and Rayleigh scattering.
- Introduction to X-rays
- Discuss the electromagnetic spectrum and the position of X-rays within it.
- Atomic Structure Overview
- Review the basic structure of an atom, including the nucleus, protons, and electron shells.
- Introduce shell nomenclature (K, L, M, etc.) and their relevance to XRF spectroscopy.
- X-ray Interactions with Matter
- Explain the photoelectric effect and its role in ejecting inner-shell electrons.
- Discuss Compton scattering and Rayleigh scattering.
To reinforce the concepts discussed here, we also provide a video lesson that visually walks through the key points of this topic. Watching the video alongside the text can help you better understand and apply these ideas in practice.
The course XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination introduces conservators, art historians, and scientists with interest in Art to the principles and practical applications of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy in the examination of artworks. The course starts with basic principles of XRF and gradually explores its role in identifying materials and methods used in the creation and conservation of art.
Course Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of XRF spectroscopy and how it applies to the analysis of art.
- Learn the key features and limitations of XRF for examining art and archaeology.
- Gain skills in interpreting XRF spectra to identify specific elements in paint layers, inks and metals.
Scientific Art Examination – Resources:
Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) – USA
The British Museum – Scientific Research Department – UK
Scientific Research Department – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
C2RMF (Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France) – France
Rijksmuseum – Science Department – Netherlands
