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From the Field to the Microscope

by eric — last modified March 16, 2010 10:17 AM

Symposium

From the Field to the Microscope: In-situ Scanning Electron Microscopy and Microanalysis in Conservation, Art, and Archaeology

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Sunday 25th April 2010
Seminar Room 2101 Engineering-V Building, UCLA
Admission free, advance booking required

There has been an increasing emphasis on exploring the potential value of physical evidence from the macroscopic to the nano length scale using innovative non-invasive and non-destructive techniques to decode ancient technology and to diagnose the pathology of artifacts. In situ field emission gun variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (FEGVPSEM) coupled with the analytical capabilities of energy dispersive x-ray spectrometry (EDS) has revolutionized the fields of conservation, art and archaeology and has transformed the way materials are sampled and analyzed.

This symposium/panel discussion explores recent developments in technology and the unparallel potential and usefulness of FEGVPSEM-EDS with in situ simultaneous multi-scale imaging and spatially resolved chemical identification of a variety of cultural materials both natural and manmade, in order to answer archaeological questions of anthropological significance and to assist with conservation practices and sustainable preservation strategies.

The Laboratory for Molecular and Nano Archaeology (MNA), a joint venture between the Cotsen Institute of Archaeology and the Materials Science and Engineering Department at UCLA with support from the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, is hosting this symposium/panel discussion in order to provide and disseminate current and specialized knowledge in the interface of science, conservation, art and archaeology and to offer a “multi-cultural” platform for conservators, conservation scientists, archaeologists, archaeological scientists and curators to exchange ideas for interdisciplinary research, training and education.

Link to online RSVP Form (required for attendance)

Symposium Program (PDF)

Directions to Symposium (PDF)

For more information, please contact mnalab@ucla.edu

Organized by The Cotsen Institute of Archaeology at UCLA & UCLA Materials Science and Engineering Department

Supported by The Samuel H. Kress Foundation.

*The FEGVPSEM-EDS system at the Molecular and Nano Archaeology Laboratory was purchased with financial support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), Award Number: 0813649.

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