Contents and Methods

All studies are conducted using non-destructive and non-invasive techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), Raman spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) available in the CREF laboratory, and other techniques complements such as X-ray and neutron diffraction, gamma spectroscopy, X-ray and neutron imaging available through access to external research infrastructures.

The main research activities carried out or underway in the reference period are presented in detail below:

Pigments, binders and their interaction. The study involves experimental activities followed by multivariate statistics and Machine Learning for the analysis of paintings. Development of a new data analysis method for the characterization of paintings using spectroscopic techniques and Machine Learning. The study provides the basis for any analysis of paintings, with particular attention paid to the well-known painter Michelangelo Merisi, also known as Caravaggio.

In-situ neutron diffraction for the analysis of the crystalline structure of bones subjected to anaerobic combustion. The study allowed us to identify and quantify structural and crystallinity changes during heating under anaerobic conditions to identify temperature biomarkers. The work carried out, as well as in archaeology, can also impact forensic science, paving the way towards a new field of research.

Metallurgy in ancient Egypt. Study the processing techniques of metal vases from the Funerary Kit of Kha and Merit (Egyptian Museum of Turin) using X-ray diffraction and Machine Learning.

Mineral benchmarks in Sumerian ceramics. The study concerns the development of a new approach through FTIR spectroscopy and machine learning to identify primary and secondary phases and thermal alterations due to the cooking processes of raw materials. The procedure was applied to studying Sumerian ceramics from the archaeological site of Abu Tbeirah (4000-2000 BC) in Iraq.

Elemental and molecular benchmarks in EVOO. Development of an analytical procedure for quality monitoring, traceability and safety assessment in the food industry of Italian extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) using infrared spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence and Machine Learning. In particular, it is possible to identify the geographical origin, the type of cultivar used, and any adulteration. The work has a significant impact on the field of Food Science.

Hydrogen Detection Limits and Instrument Sensitivity. Development of new methods for rigorously determining the instrumental sensitivity of inelastic neutron scattering (INS) spectrometers. The work provides a reference point against which to evaluate the performance of current and future tools.

Burial rites of Imperial Rome. The study concerns the analysis through vibrational spectroscopies of bone remains found in the Ghirlande Hypogeum, in Grottaferrata (Rome). The Ghirlande Hypogeum is an extraordinary Roman burial site dating back to the 1st-2nd century AD. and discovered in 2000. The results obtained provide significant elements for understanding the history of the site and the burial rites.

Preparations and medicines from the 17th and 18th centuries. Study in collaboration with the Medical Museum of Sapienza University of Rome, with the participation of Dr. Miriam Focaccia. The activities aim to understand pharmacology and pharmacopoeias as well as the formulations of ancient preparations and medicines. We adopted a multidisciplinary approach that combines chemical-physical characterization with historical-scientific information and cultural contextualization.

Manuscripts and book texts from the 17th and 18th centuries. Study in collaboration with the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome regarding manuscripts such as the original copy of the magnum opus of the Jesuit Antonio Vieira (1608-1697 BC). The study involves the analysis of cutting-edge adhesives, inks, papers and restoration products to test their durability and effectiveness.

Study of the watermarks of the Corpus Chartarum Italicarum of the 16th century. Combined study of spectroscopic techniques such as all of Europe.

Numismatics. The study concerns the analysis of coins belonging to different collections of different historical periods and origins for the identification of specific benchmarks for attribution and authentication.

SiO2 nanoparticles. New conservation treatments of Pietraforte Arenaria tested on samples from Renaissance Palaces in Florence.

Neutron Imaging and machine learning techniques. Development of new imaging data analysis techniques for the optimization of new methodologies for the extraction of significant features.

Attività di outreach della linea di ricerca. Outreach activities

• [2023] Visita al laboratorio di Fisica per i Beni Culturali nell’ambito delle visite museali. 
• [2022] G. Festa. Festival della Scienza di Roma. Nell’ambito delle attività del Festival delle Scienze di Roma, partecipazione al Podcast di Adriana Migliucci “Stesi dalle Tesi.”. 
• [2022] G. Festa. Ossa, spettrometri e antichi rimedi. Quando la fisica incontra l’archeologia, Digitour, Festival della Scienza di Genova, 24 ottobre 2022. 
• [2022] Notte europea dei ricercatori, Fisica per i Beni Culturali. Attività di divulgazione scientifica presso il CREF.
• [2022] “Tutela e conservazione: i restauratori raccontano”. Presentazione degli ultimi interventi di restauro sui cimeli del museo, 7 maggio 2022 – MuGa, Polo Culturale Mentana. 
• [2022] Invisible Colours. 2 a edizione Evento online per le scuole superiori, Giulia Festa, La ricerca attraverso i colori, 27 aprile 2022. 
• [2022] Quantum Weeks a via Panisperna, 14 aprile 2022, visita ai laboratori di Fisica per i Beni Culturali. 
• [2022] Webinar 11 febbraio – CREF in occasione della Giornata internazionale delle donne e delle ragazze nella scienza, Scienziate di oggi incontrano scienziat* di domani, venerdì 11 febbraio 2022. 
• [2021] Ideazione e realizzazione della prima edizione del concorso per le scuole superiori Invisible Colours. 1 a edizione, Evento online, 27 aprile 2021

Nel prossimo triennio si prevede di dedicare una percentuale del tempo del personale per attività di outreach e divulgazione scientifica tramite la partecipazione ad eventi di divulgazione, seminari, attività specifiche e progetti di disseminazione della cultura scientifica e dei risultati della ricerca.