Optical characterization of amber from Chiapas, Mexico

Guadalupe López-Morales; Rafael Espinosa-Luna; Claudio Frausto-Reyes

doi:10.1117/12.2024701

27 September 2013 Optical characterization of amber from Chiapas, Mexico

Guadalupe López-Morales, Rafael Espinosa-Luna, Claudio Frausto-Reyes

Proceedings Volume 8873, Polarization Science and Remote Sensing VI; 887311 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024701
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

An optical characterization of amber samples from México, the Baltic Sea and fake samples is presented, with the aim of discriminate between genuine and fake samples. We sought to identify the physical variables that could serve as the basis for the development of a device whose operation was able to discriminate between samples of genuine and fake amber. The optical refractive index was determined by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry, Abbe refractometry, and by the Brewster angle. The Raman spectra and the fluorescence optical responses were also determined. The results obtained indicate that the refractive index is not a robust variable that can differentiate between genuine amber and a fake sample. On the other hand, the Raman spectra and the fluorescence responses provide information that allows discriminating between both types of samples. For this reason, we used the results obtained by fluorescence as a basis for the design and construction of a prototype simple, reliable, portable, and affordable for authentication of the Mexican amber.

Citation Download Citation

Guadalupe López-Morales, Rafael Espinosa-Luna, and Claudio Frausto-Reyes "Optical characterization of amber from Chiapas, Mexico", Proc. SPIE 8873, Polarization Science and Remote Sensing VI, 887311 (27 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024701

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available