Applications of Micro-Raman Spectroscopy in Cultural Heritage – Examples from the Laboratory for Conservation Research of the Collections Centre of the Swiss National Museums

Abstract

The paper reports on three applications of micro-Raman spectroscopy which were carried out in the Laboratory for Conservation Research of the Collections Centre of the Swiss National Museums. The first application addresses archaeological questions about three early mediaeval fibulae which were decorated with gemstones. The determination of different corrosion products on pigeon cameras by micro-Raman spectroscopy is described in the second part of this article. The last case study discusses an example from the field of preventive conservation where changes on metal coupons from the so-called Oddy test were analysed.

Keywords

• Corrosion product
• Garnet
• Micro-raman spectroscopy
• Pigeon cameras
• Preventive conservation