- Recognize the role of rhodium as a target material in x-ray tubes.
- High-density polyethylene (HDPE) plate
- Pure rhodium sample
- X-ray tube with adjustable filter settings
- Introduction to Rhodium in XRF Systems
- Explain why rhodium is chosen as the target material in x-ray tubes for pigment analysis.
- Discuss the advantage of using rhodium to avoid interference with elements commonly found in pigments.
- Sample Analysis
- Measure the spectra of an HDPE plate and a pure rhodium sample with three different filter setups: no filter, low keV filter, and routine filter.
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
