title: Noninvasive analysis of thin turbid layers using microscale spatially offset Raman spectroscopy.
abstract: Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, the extension of applicability of recently developed microscale spatially offset Raman spectroscopy (SORS), micro-SORS, from the area of cultural heritage to a wider range of analytical problems involving thin, tens of micrometers thick diffusely scattering turbid layers. The method can be applied in situations where a high turbidity of layers prevents the deployment of conventional confocal Raman microscopy with its depth resolving capability. The method was applied successfully to detect noninvasively the presence of thin, highly turbid layers within polymers, wheat seeds, and paper. An invasive, cross sectional analysis confirmed the micro-SORS findings. Micro-SORS represents a new Raman imaging modality expanding the portfolio of noninvasive, chemically specific analytical tools.
authors.affiliation: †Institute for the Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage (ICVBC), National Research Council, Via Cozzi 53, 20125, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Conti
authors.affiliation: †Institute for the Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage (ICVBC), National Research Council, Via Cozzi 53, 20125, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Realini
authors.affiliation: †Institute for the Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage (ICVBC), National Research Council, Via Cozzi 53, 20125, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Colombo
authors.affiliation: ‡Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, OX11 0QX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kay
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sowoidnich
authors.affiliation: §Nofima-Norwegian Institute of Food, Fisheries and Aquaculture Research, PB 210, N-1431 Ås, Norway.
authors.forename: Nils Kristian
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Afseth
authors.affiliation: †Institute for the Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage (ICVBC), National Research Council, Via Cozzi 53, 20125, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Moira
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bertasa
authors.affiliation: †Institute for the Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage (ICVBC), National Research Council, Via Cozzi 53, 20125, Milano, Italy.
authors.forename: Alessandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Botteon
authors.affiliation: ‡Central Laser Facility, Research Complex at Harwell, STFC Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, Harwell Oxford, OX11 0QX, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Pavel
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Matousek