Analytical Techniques
Analytical techniques in the Lasseter Clare group focus on non-destructive methods that characterize material properties and chemical composition. Some of the current technologies in the lab are:
X-Ray Fluorescence
- Characteristic emitted X-rays are used for elemental identification of liquids and solids. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is ideally suited for elemental analysis due to it's non-destructive and non-invasive capabilities.
- Characteristic X-rays are emitted by relaxation of electrons from higher to lower energy states
- Each element has a discrete set of emitted x-ray energies that are characteristic of the atomic orbitals' energies
- Peaks result from Kα/β/γ; Lα/β; Mα transitions
Electrochemical Techniques
- Electrical and barrier property analysis of materials
Micro-Infrared Spectroscopy
- Vibrational spectroscopy for the identification of chemical functional groups
- Microsample for selective analysis
- ~10-100μm spot size
Micro-Raman Spectroscopy
- Sensitive scattering spectroscopy for the identification of chemical functional groups
- Lasers of different wavelengths are routed through a microscope to enable acquisition of a Raman spectrum in the objectiveʼs field of view. Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited for either micro-sampling (using a needle probe to collect a small sample) or in situ methods (where no sampling is necessary).
Infrared Reflectography
- Black-and-white imaging method which measures infrared absorbance and produces a corresponding image of the object of study
- Useful for pigment and material identification, particularly when coupled with visible light photography
Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner
- Uses X-Rays to produce "slices" or images representing cross-sections or slices of an object. These can be compiled into 3D digital representations of an object
- Variation in densities can be assigned colors or values, facilitating the non-invasive study of the interior of art objects