Raman microscopy is a powerful, rapid, and non-destructive technique that enables chemical microanalysis and chemical imaging (chemical mapping). These features make Raman microscope an ideal and widely used tool in research and analytical laboratories. Raman analysis is based on the interaction of light with the chemical bonds of the sample and measures the spectrum corresponding to each point of the sample. The Raman signature is obviously dependent on the wavelengths of the excitation and reaction with the substrates. Therefore, each chemical compound has its own characteristic Raman spectrum, and in this way, qualitative and quantitative information can be obtained for each material. This instrumental analysis method, which is also considered non-destructive, can be perform the necessary
study on an object without the need for sampling. Therefore, it is a very suitable method for studying exquisite historical artifacts that are practically impossible to sampling, and today it is of great interest to art and history researchers. The use of this method in the field of cultural heritage (such as restoration, archaeology, and architecture) is generally for identifying and analysis of the constituent materials of art and historical artifacts. Like other methods, it also has its drawbacks and limitations, along with its numerous advantages. Investigating and evaluating the characteristics of historical artifacts and their constituent components with regard to the fields of structure, technology, and pathology using non-destructive analysis (NDT) is one of the most important and considered aspects in archaeometry. In this article, the application of Raman in identifying ancient artifacts, including minerals, stones, patinas and corrosive products, glass, pottery, mortar, paint, adhesives, resin, paper, parchment, ink, and human remains, is examined. Examples of laboratory studies using the micro-Raman spectrometer of the Research Center for Conservation of Cultural Relics are also provided. Microspectrometry and SERS testing can be considered appropriate answer to archaeometric and conservation questions for each category of objects, using specific spectral parameters along with the latest advancements.
