Charles Wood, George Deakin, Atousa Moayedi, Jovana Radulovic
{"title":"Crossing scales and eras: Correlative multimodal microscopy heritage studies.","authors":"Charles Wood, George Deakin, Atousa Moayedi, Jovana Radulovic","doi":"10.1111/jmi.70030","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The comprehensive characterisation of complex, irreplaceable cultural heritage artefacts presents significant challenges for traditional analytical methods, which can fall short in providing multi-scale, non-invasive analysis. Correlative Multimodal Microscopy (CoMic), an approach that integrates data from multiple techniques, offers a powerful solution by bridging structural, chemical, and topographical information across different length scales. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolution, current applications, and future trajectory of CoMic within the field of heritage science. We present a historical overview of microscopy in heritage studies and detail the principles and advances of key techniques, such as electron, X-ray, optical, and probe microscopies. This review presents practical applications through case studies on materials that include wood, pigments, ceramics, metals, and textiles. To aid CoMic uptake, we also provide user-centric guides for researchers with diverse expertise. This review also examines the challenges that currently limit the widespread adoption of CoMic, challenges that include sample preparation, data correlation accuracy, high instrumental and resource costs, and the need for specialised interdisciplinary expertise. Although CoMic is a transformative methodology for artefact analysis and conservation, its full potential will be realised through future developments in accessible instrumentation, standardised protocols, and the integration of AI-driven data analysis. This review serves as a critical resource and roadmap for researchers, conservators, and institutions looking to harness the power of correlative microscopy to preserve our shared cultural legacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":16484,"journal":{"name":"Journal of microscopy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9000,"publicationDate":"2025-09-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of microscopy","FirstCategoryId":"5","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1111/jmi.70030","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"MICROSCOPY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The comprehensive characterisation of complex, irreplaceable cultural heritage artefacts presents significant challenges for traditional analytical methods, which can fall short in providing multi-scale, non-invasive analysis. Correlative Multimodal Microscopy (CoMic), an approach that integrates data from multiple techniques, offers a powerful solution by bridging structural, chemical, and topographical information across different length scales. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolution, current applications, and future trajectory of CoMic within the field of heritage science. We present a historical overview of microscopy in heritage studies and detail the principles and advances of key techniques, such as electron, X-ray, optical, and probe microscopies. This review presents practical applications through case studies on materials that include wood, pigments, ceramics, metals, and textiles. To aid CoMic uptake, we also provide user-centric guides for researchers with diverse expertise. This review also examines the challenges that currently limit the widespread adoption of CoMic, challenges that include sample preparation, data correlation accuracy, high instrumental and resource costs, and the need for specialised interdisciplinary expertise. Although CoMic is a transformative methodology for artefact analysis and conservation, its full potential will be realised through future developments in accessible instrumentation, standardised protocols, and the integration of AI-driven data analysis. This review serves as a critical resource and roadmap for researchers, conservators, and institutions looking to harness the power of correlative microscopy to preserve our shared cultural legacy.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Microscopy is the oldest journal dedicated to the science of microscopy and the only peer-reviewed publication of the Royal Microscopical Society. It publishes papers that report on the very latest developments in microscopy such as advances in microscopy techniques or novel areas of application. The Journal does not seek to publish routine applications of microscopy or specimen preparation even though the submission may otherwise have a high scientific merit.
The scope covers research in the physical and biological sciences and covers imaging methods using light, electrons, X-rays and other radiations as well as atomic force and near field techniques. Interdisciplinary research is welcome. Papers pertaining to microscopy are also welcomed on optical theory, spectroscopy, novel specimen preparation and manipulation methods and image recording, processing and analysis including dynamic analysis of living specimens.
Publication types include full papers, hot topic fast tracked communications and review articles. Authors considering submitting a review article should contact the editorial office first.