New Methods for Nondestructive Microanalysis of Archaeological Ceramic Surfaces for Anthropological and Conservation Research

2022 Grant Award Announcement in Archeology & Collections

Award Recipient: University of Delaware

Project Lead:

Chandra L. Reedy, Ph.D.
Professor and Director
Center for Historic Architecture and Design
University of Delaware

Grant #P22AP01996

This project is supported by the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, a unit of the National Park Service. This archeological research grant focuses on innovative techniques for documentation and is awarded in the 2022 NCPTT Grants Program. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the National Park Service or the NCPTT.

Executive Summary

This project aims to research a new instrument for non-destructive surface analysis, the mIRage O-PTIR microscope, employs optical-photothermal infrared with simultaneous IR+Raman spectroscopies at nanometric spatial resolutions to characterize inorganic and organic particles of <1µm with no surface contact or sample preparation required. It is a major advance for documentation of archaeological ceramic sherds, enabling identification and micro-mapping of crystalline and amorphous phases in surface decorations and burial accretions to address anthropological and conservation treatment questions.