In situ Raman spectroscopy for cultural heritage studies

Abstract Raman spectroscopy is considered as one of the most appreciated analytical techniques in the cultural heritage research field, thanks to some of its favourable characteristics such as the relatively quick time of analysis, identification of both inorganic and organic molecules. The necessity of conducting the research non‐destructively on‐site and directly on the artefact brought the technique out of the laboratory. Since 2004, when the first non‐commercial mobile Raman instrument for in situ applications on cultural heritage objects was realized, years of continuous technical and instrumental developments have passed. Today, on‐site Raman spectroscopy is considered as a cornerstone technique for the documentation of materials of works of art and the assessment of their conservation state without jeopardizing the integrity of the artefact. This paper reviews some of the breakthroughs of Raman analysis of cultural heritage objects, conducted on field (museum environment, outdoors and archaeological complexes).