Applying XRF to the Study of Photographs

Wednesday, September 25, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Led by Aniko Bezur

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is commonly employed to determine the inorganic composition of photographs and emerging techniques, including scanning XRF, point toward new applications for researching the chemical makeup and stability of photographs. This seminar will address XRF fundamentals, including instrumental pros and cons, safety for objects and operators, the interpretation of spectra, but also will look ahead at the application of new techniques for the characterization of photographs. Along with hands-on demonstrations, practical discussion of strengths and limitations of existing techniques, the symposium also will range toward the development of best practices, instrument repeatability, comparison of results across instruments and collections, as well as the potential for greater empirical precision when it comes to elemental concentrations.