Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Recent technological advances have resulted in an abundance of instruments used in the sourcing of low-fired earthenware. However, many of these techniques are expensive, time consuming and result in the sample being damaged or destroyed. As the technology has improved, non-destructive instruments, such as portable X-ray Fluorescence devices (pXRF) have become more accurate and reliable. With advances in the field of remote sensing, handheld hyperspectral imaging devices also have the potential to be a viable nondestructive alternative to other analytical devices in ceramic sourcing. This study uses a Visual Near Infrared Reflectance (VNIR) device and a Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) device to analyze 100 samples from Mississippi Period sites in western Kentucky. The data generated from the VNIR and FTIR were compared to data derived from a pXRF instrument to assess the utility of using hyperspectral imaging techniques for ceramic sourcing. The resulting VNIR and FTIR data showcased the ability to identify unique materials that can assist with ceramic analysis. However, further research will be necessary to identify the full impact various surface imperfections of samples has on the devices.

Year manuscript completed

2020

Year degree awarded

2020

Author's Keywords

Handheld Hyperspectral, VNIR, FTIR, pXRF, Archaeological Ceramics

Committee Chair

Anthony L Ortmann

Committee Member

Haluk Cetin

Committee Member

Marcie L Venter

Committee Member

Ryan M Parish

Document Type

Thesis

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