Scanning X-ray fluorescence data collected from an Elizabethan burse decorated with metal embroidery
- 1. Victoria and Albert Museum
Description
Scanning XRF data obtained from an Elizabethan burse from the V&A collections (T.40-1986), including individual elemental maps as well as elemental combination maps
Additional details
Funding
Dates
- Created
-
2023-10-31
Research focus
- Research focus Title
- Scanning XRF data of Elizabethan burse
- Research focus Category
- Object/artwork
- Research focus Description
-
Research focuses on the change of colour of metal embroidery of Elizabethan burse due to degradation, for PERCEIVE
- Research focus Reference Image URL
- https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O10808/burse-unknown/
Research activity
- Research Activity Type
- Object Examination/Scientific analysis
- Technique
- Macro X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy scanning (MA-XRF)
- Technique Category
- 2D elemental mapping
- Method Description
-
Scanning X-ray fluorescence is a relatively new technique which is used to generate elemental distribution maps of flat objects or objects with relatively low relief. As such it is used on paintings, drawings, textiles, ceramics and glass but also small carved objects (such as ivory or alabaster carvings) and small 3D objects. The elemental maps in turn allow to estimate the presence or absence of specific pigments and dyes, as well as the alloy composition of metallic objects. Additional applications not considered in PERCEIVE include the study of fossils, geological specimens and various types of organic tissues.
- Tool / Equipment (or Software) Description
-
Bruker M6 Jetstream
The Bruker M6 Jetstream spectrometer is equipped with a Rh-target microfocus X-ray tube, and two 60 mm2 XFlash silicon drift detectors (SDD). The X-ray tube was operated at 50 kV and 600 μA. The elemental distribution maps of the table areas were collected with a 240 μm spot size and a dwell time of 16 ms/pixel. The X-ray fluorescence spectra were processed using the Bruker M6 Jetstream software.
- Tool / Equipment (or Software) reference
- https://www.bruker.com/en/products-and-solutions/elemental-analyzers/micro-xrf-spectrometers/m6-jetstream.html?source=google&medium=cpc&campaign=GSN_|_Europe&content=02_-_GSN_|_Product_|_Micro_XRF_|_M6_Jetstream&s_kwcid=AL!14677!3!699333904006!p!!g!!bruker%20m6%20jetstream&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIoI_y_NLPiQMVYY9QBh3kxR-rEAAYASAAEgK1YvD_BwE
- ROI or target area or spot size
- Full object analysed with a 240 μm spot size
- Examination Methodology
-
The XRF maps were acquired in air
Supplementary information on Object Examination
- Object Examination Scale
- Macro
- Examination Class or Type
- Scanning
- Specific Scope linked to the Project
- Development of a model for the virtual reconstruction of the original appearance of the metal embroidery
- Measurable Entity / Property
- Elemental composition
- Material Category
- Textiles