Application of microfocus x-ray beams from synchrotrons in heritage conservation

Synchrotron-based techniques are becoming increasingly important in heritage science and the aim of this article is to describe how recently developed microfocus methods can probe the elemental composition, speciation and structure at the micron level in samples from structures. Firstly an outline is given of the major techniques that are used, namely x-ray fluorescence, diffraction and absorption spectroscopy, and the information that they can provide. This is followed by a description of the experimental set-up and procedures. The application of the methods is exemplified by case studies of the degradation of three types of historic structural materials; marble, glass and ship timbers. The results of the studies and their role in developing conservation strategies are described. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.