The Chemistry of Art > 2. The Structure of the Atom and Colours > Laser Microspectral Analysis >
Gather, process and present information to:
– describe the methodology involved in laser microspectral analysis
– assess the importance of the technology in assisting identification of elements in a compound
– provide examples of the technology’s use
Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation (LASER)
- Upon excitation of electrons, emission spectrum is produced after the electrons has reached the ground state
- Described as intense beam of very pure single colour
- Monochromatic
- Powerful
- Coherent
- Analysis requires vaporization and even destruction of a sample the pigment being analysed
- Vapour is fed through a gap between two sparking electrodes
- Important technique which is used for the determination of composition of elements
- The technology is widely applied for the restoration of pigments