Mobile instrumentation is of growing importance to archaeometry research. Equipment is utilized in the field or at museums, thus avoiding transportation or risk of damage to valuable artifacts. Many spectroscopic techniques are nondestructive and micro-destructive in nature, which preserves the cultural heritage objects themselves. This review includes over 160 references pertaining to the use of mobile spectroscopy for archaeometry. Following a discussion of terminology related to mobile instrumental methods, results of a literature survey on their applications for cultural heritage objects is presented. Sections devoted to specific techniques are then provided: Raman spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy, and less frequently used techniques. The review closes with a discussion of combined instrumental approaches.

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A gas chromatographic method was developed for the quantification of alkylmercury species using microwave-induced plasma atomic emission detection (GC-AED). The column conditioning and analyte derivatization required for previous methods were found to be unnecessary for stable, accurate, and sensitive element-specific detection using GC-AED. Chromatographic and detection parameters such as stationary phase type, stationary phase film thickness, GC column dimensions, helium mobile phase column head pressure, detector makeup gas flow rate, and detector reagent gas type and flow rate were found to significantly affect analyte response. The detection limit for the optimized GC-AED conditions was 0.8 pg (0.1 pg/s) of methylmercury chloride (as mercury). A solid-liquid extraction procedure with preparative gel permeation chromatography cleanup and GC-AED analysis was used to quantify methylmercury in a variety of complex matrix marine materials. The methylmercury quantification method was validated with four marine certified reference materials (CRMs). The method was then applied to 13 standard reference materials, CRMs, and control materials for which no certified reference values for methylmercury have been determined. Four National Institute of Standards and Technology Standard Reference Materials and one control material, which were analyzed using the GC-AED method, were also analyzed by two other laboratories using independent methods to further validate the method.

A portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used to collect elemental data on various mortars and hydraulic cements at an excavation site near Orvieto, Italy. Four cases are presented that use X-ray fluorescence data to differentiate among mortars: (1) comparison of two mortars on one locus; (2) comparison of two layers of hydraulic cement on one locus; (3) comparison of two hydraulic cement floors; (4) comparison among mortars on five walls from four trenches. The conclusions made from the comparisons aided the site archaeologists in their assessment of the relationships of various loci at the site and establishment of phasing. Elements found in measureable amounts in the mortars and hydraulic cements were Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Zr, Pb, and Bi. Elements found to be different in the samples and used to differentiate among mortars were Ca, Fe, Zn, Pb, Zr, and Rb. Graphical and statistical data evaluations are presented.