Using Raman spectroscopy as a tool for the detection of iron in glass

Raman spectroscopy has been used to identify iron-containing glasses. This nondestructive technique offers a fast method to obtain qualitative information about the presence of iron oxides in glass. The effect of the iron content in glass samples is reflected on the topology of the Raman spectra: A strong link between the ratio of the Q(2)/Q(3) vibration units of the silica tetrahedral structure is seen. If matrix effects are taken into account, also (semi) quantitative results can be obtained from the calibration lines. The linear calibration is based on the normalized band intensity at 980 cm(-1) (I(980)/I(1090)) and the iron oxide concentration for similar glasses. In amber and dark colored glasses, an extra peak in the spectrum indicates the presence of a FeS chromophore. Different series of glasses of various origins (ancient and modern/industrial glass) have been considered. Copyright (C) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.