Home » Services » FT-IR (non-invasive)

FT-IR (non-invasive) Spectroscopy

Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used in the scientific examination of artworks and cultural heritage objects. By measuring how materials absorb infrared radiation, FT-IR provides a molecular “fingerprint” that allows the identification of organic and inorganic compounds. In art conservation, it is widely applied to characterize binders, varnishes, pigments, resins, waxes, and degradation products. The method can be performed in transmission, reflection, or ATR modes, often requiring only microscopic samples.

Equipment

The Agilent 4300 Handheld FTIR spectrometer is ideal for mobile nondestructive testing of artworks and archaeology. Due to its high-performance optics, it is possible to examine pigments, binders, varnishes, glues without any sampling. Acquisition time is only a few minutes with a spectral range 4000-680 cm-1.

FTIR Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Pigments-Checker Database (82091 downloads )

Resources

Publications on FTIR
A. Cosentino ” FTIR Diffuse Reflectance. Pigments Checker Database ” Application note # 2, May 2021.

Learn Technical Photography for Art Examination

Technical Photography is one of the most powerful—and often overlooked—tools for the scientific examination of art and archaeology. If you are a conservator, scientist, or art collector and you are not yet familiar with this method, it is truly a missed opportunity. Using simple, affordable equipment and a clear methodology, Technical Photography allows you to reveal underdrawings, retouchings, material differences, and conservation issues in a completely non-invasive way. Far from being complex or inaccessible, it is an easy entry point into scientific analysis. In many cases, Technical Photography represents the first essential step toward a deeper understanding of artworks and archaeological objects.