Spectroscopy magazine is pleased to welcome you to the “Spectroscopy and Archaeology: An Inside Look at Ancient Egyptian History” landing page, one of two landing pages in our “Spectroscopy and Archaeology” content series!
Below we have four articles that highlight recent spectroscopic studies undertaken to help us understand Ancient Egypt better.
Click on a story below to begin your journey!
Non-Invasive Methods for Studying Papyrus from Ancient Egypt
In this recent Q & A, Arzak Mohamed from Macquarie University in Australia breaks down how she uses spectroscopy to analyze ancient manuscripts.
Click here to access this Q & A:
https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/non-invasive-methods-for-studying-papyrus-from-ancient-egypt
Ancient History Revealed Using Laser Light: Unraveling the Secrets of Roman Egyptian Blue
A study published in Scientific Reports has given intricate details into the production and composition of Roman Egyptian blue pigment, which originated in Egypt. Using advanced Raman microspectroscopy, researchers explored pigment balls and murals from ancient Swiss cities, uncovering evidence of raw material provenance, crystal lattice disorder, and the formation of a copper-bearing green glass phase, revealing the sophisticated techniques employed by Roman artisans.
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PXRF Analysis Reveals Unique Deterioration in Ancient Pottery
In a recent study, researchers used portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analysis to determine how pottery vessels uncovered at Saqqara degraded over thousands of years.
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Using Spectroscopy to Characterize Gems in Ancient Egyptian Mines
In a recent study published in the journal AIP Advances, researchers used molecular and elemental spectroscopic techniques, such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), Raman spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, to characterize silicate gems found in ancient Egyptian mines.
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Getting accurate IR spectra on monolayer of molecules
April 18th 2024Creating uniform and repeatable monolayers is incredibly important for both scientific pursuits as well as the manufacturing of products in semiconductor, biotechnology, and. other industries. However, measuring monolayers and functionalized surfaces directly is. difficult, and many rely on a variety of characterization techniques that when used together can provide some degree of confidence. By combining non-contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) and IR spectroscopy, IR PiFM provides sensitive and accurate analysis of sub-monolayer of molecules without the concern of tip-sample cross contamination. Dr. Sung Park, Molecular Vista, joined Spectroscopy to provide insights on how IR PiFM can acquire IR signature of monolayer films due to its unique implementation.
The Effect of Heat Exposure on BPA and Phthalate Content in Commercial Bottled Water
May 8th 2024This study aimed to assess the levels of phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA) in various popular bottled waters compared to tap water. Additionally, it investigated whether exposure to high temperatures, akin to those in a car during summer, would elevate these levels. Using GC/MS analysis, samples were examined. Results showed that phthalates and BPA were either absent or well below safety thresholds in all bottled and tap water samples. Moreover, heating did not significantly affect phthalate concentrations, and BPA was undetectable in all samples.