The Molecular Microspectroscopy Laboratory (MML) was established in 1984 at Miami University. The purpose of the MML is to make state-of-the-art molecular microspectroscopy available to scientists from industrial, government and academic laboratories. Microspectroscopy was a relatively new technique at the time of the MML's inception, and research conducted at the MML quickly identified several fields that could benefit from a microspectroscopic approach. Specifically, the analysis of art and historic objects was an ideal application due to only needing samples a few microns in size for analysis. Pigments, dyes, binders, fibers, and other organic components were identified in various paintings, fabrics, and manuscripts. Collaborating with other experts enabled much to be learned about the objects, including the identification of a forgery. The identification of some dyes in certain regions also helped to establish dates for early trade routes in the Americas. Techniques for infrared, Raman, and visible microspectroscopy developed in the late 80's and early 90's at the MML are still used today in conservation laboratories. Clearly, microspectroscopy continues to be a valuable tool for the analysis of historic objects.

Microspectroscopy in art conservation and archaeology: Early applications from the MML

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