Examination of Firearms Review: 2007 to 2010 - Interpol

26. Infusion Mass Spectrometry
A final mass spectrometry technique investigated was infusion mass
spectrometry.[331] This technique involves simple hydrolysis and extraction as a
sample preparation technique that does not involve a derivatization step,
followed by direct introduction to the MS. In this artwork application, drying oils,
used as binding media and varnishes, were characterized.
27. Imaging (Tomography)
Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a technique for obtaining sub-surface
images of translucent or opaque materials at a resolution equivalent to a lowpower
microscope. It is similar to ultrasound and can penetrate up to several
millimeters to provide cross-sectional images. Targowski et al. provide an
overview of the technique and describes an instrument especially designed for
art diagnostics.[332] Liang and coauthors report progress on optimizing and
designing an OCT instrument for in situ use in museums.[333] Adler et al.
discuss the technique further and claim that it is well suited for analyzing artwork
where a surface layer obscures details of interest.[334] In two separate papers,
Latour and coauthors use the technique to obtain pigment information and
demonstrate how the technique can be applied to wood varnishes.[335;336]
Computed Tomography (CT), another imaging technique traditionally used in
medical diagnostics, was shown to be applicable to artwork analysis by providing
morphological and physical information on the inner structure of artworks.[337]
Its use with radiography was discussed.
28. Determination of Materials and Artistic Techniques
A variety of the techniques described thus far were used to evaluate the
materials and/or techniques of various artists, collections, or geographic
locations.[338-344] Furthermore, a variety of substrates were analyzed,
including alabaster[345], archaeological pastes[346], drawings and illuminated
manuscripts [347;348], pottery or stoneware[349-352], religious items[353;354],
rocks[355], tiles [356], and walls[357-364].
29. Conservation, Degradation and Forgery Detection
A range of the aforementioned techniques were also used in various
combinations in order to study degradation/aging processes in painting
materials.[297;365-369] Since this has little practical application for forensic
paint analyses, the appropriate references are merely listed. For a thorough
discussion on the various techniques available for materials conservation,
including paints, consult Analytical Techniques in Materials Conservation.[370]
Further, Applied Physics A published a special issue entitled “Science and
Technology of Cultural Heritage Materials: Art Conservation and Restoration,”
Volume 92, number 1, July 2008 that may be of interest.
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