FTIR Spectroscopy for Cultural Heritage

The third and final webinar in our Vibrational Spectroscopy series will introduce Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy as a cornerstone technique in conservation science, offering rapid, non-destructive molecular identification across a wide range of materials. Designed for students, researchers, conservators, and allied professionals, this session builds a strong conceptual foundation while highlighting practical considerations and real-world case studies from both portable and benchtop instruments.

You’ll learn:

How FTIR spectroscopy works and what information it provides about molecular vibrations and functional groups
Key differences between portable and benchtop FTIR systems—and when each is most effective
The strengths and limitations of major FTIR sampling modes, including ATR, specular reflection, diffuse reflection, transmission, and micro‑FTIR
How FTIR supports qualitative and (semi-)quantitative analysis in cultural heritage research
Practical guidance on sample preparation, from ATR contact considerations to transmission pellets and micro-sampling
Innovative case studies demonstrating FTIR’s capabilities in both field and laboratory settings

The webinar will include an extended Q&A, offering participants the opportunity to ask questions tailored to their research materials, instrumentation, or analytical needs.

This is the last in a series of three lectures leading up to the Infrared and Raman User’s Group (IRUG) conference at the Winterthur Museum, October 6-9th 2026. The recordings of all three webinars will be available to registered participants through the AIC learning platform.

Dr. Liora Mael

Postdoctoral Researcher

University of Delaware Department of Art Conservation

Dr. Liora Mael is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Art Conservation at the University of Delaware. She obtained a PhD from the University of California San Diego (Analytical Chemistry) where her research focused on the study of atmospheric processes and phase transitions with vibrational spectroscopy. At Winterthur she teaches the first-year material science and chemistry courses and investigates the impacts of air quality and wildfire smoke on indoor air and sustainability practices.

Leung Tang

Applications Scientist, Field Detection, Spectroscopy

Aligent Technologies

Aniko Bezur

Wallace S. Wilson Director of Scientific Research

Yale Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

Anikó Bezur, the Wallace S. Wilson Director of Scientific Research at the Yale Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage, has over 17 years of experience with the application of x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to the study of cultural heritage objects. She was assistant professor in conservation science at the Art Conservation Department, Buffalo State College and adjunct professor in the Chemistry Department at Rice University. Anikó was involved in the conceptualization, organization and teaching of the XRF Boot Camp since its inception in 2011.