SCIART: Surface-enhanced Raman Spectroscopy for Art Research, with Theory and Education

在化学测量和成像计划的支持下，教授。西北大学的理查德·范·杜因和乔治·沙茨，以及芝加哥艺术研究所的弗朗西斯卡·卡萨迪奥博士，试图开发新的分析和理论方法，以确定文化遗产材料中使用的天然有机颜料和染料的分子结构，无论是原始的还是变质的。目标包括超高灵敏度、高空间分辨率、最小样本损伤、通用性和不依赖参考库进行鉴定。在多个空间尺度(微观到宏观)寻求平面图和横截面分子图谱能力。将发展深近红外(NIR；800-1300 nm)激发表面增强拉曼光谱(SERS)，以研究荧光最小、对珍贵艺术品损害最小的颜料和染料。先进的理论方法将被用于超出色素文库的限制的分子结构鉴定。理论还将用于预测褪色着色剂可能的降解机制，并对等离子体纳米粒子及其组装的光学性质和最佳结构进行建模，以提供最大的SERS灵敏度。这些合作研究不仅将对纳米科学和技术(包括等离子体/表面增强拉曼光谱)产生广泛影响，而且将为学生和博士后(包括代表不足的群体的成员)提供机会，在艺术与科学之间的界面上欣赏和从事独特的研究。这项工作包括接触到广泛的公众受众，利用与公认的绘画和艺术品相关的研究故事的视觉和媒体吸引力。最后，PI将与AIC博物馆教育部合作开发创新材料和项目，阐明科学探索和与艺术互动体验之间的无数联系。具体地说，将为青少年开发并广泛提供为期一周的强化暑期课程(探询/设计)，重点是吸引芝加哥的少数族裔学生。通过博物馆教育部门AIC的学生计划部门服务的广大公众和教师/学生的广泛受众基础将成倍地加强这一科学/艺术计划的外延。

With support from the Chemical Measurement and Imaging program, Profs. Richard Van Duyne and George Schatz of Northwestern University, and Dr. Francesca Casadio of the Art Institute of Chicago, seek to develop new analytical and theoretical methods to determine the molecular structure of natural organic pigments and dyes, both original and deteriorated, used in cultural heritage materials. Targeted aims include ultrahigh sensitivity, high spatial resolution, minimum sample damage, generality, and independence from reference libraries for identification. Both plan-view and cross section molecular mapping capabilities are sought, at multiple spatial scales (micro to macro). Deep near infrared (NIR; 800-1300 nm) excited surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) will be developed to study pigments and dyes with minimum fluorescence and minimum damage to precious art works. Advanced theoretical methods will be used for molecular structure identification beyond the limitations of a pigment library. Theory will also be used to predict possible degradation mechanisms of faded colorants and to model optical properties and optimal structures of plasmonic nanoparticles and their assemblies to give maximum SERS sensitivity. These collaborative studies will have broad impact not only on nanoscale science and technology (including plasmonics/SERS), but from providing opportunities for students and postdocs (including members of underrepresented groups) to appreciate and engage in unique research at the interface between art and science. The work includes outreach to a wide public audience, using both the visual and media appeal of research stories tied to widely recognized paintings and works of art. Finally, the PIs will work with the AIC's Museum Education Department to develop innovative materials and programs that illuminate the myriad connections between exploration in the sciences and interactive experiences with art. Specifically, a one-week intensive summer course for teens (Inquire/Design) will be developed and offered broadly with an emphasis on attracting minority students in Chicago. The broad audience base in terms of general public and teachers/students served through the AIC's Student Program division of the department of Museum Education will exponentially enhance the outreach of this science/art program.