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.