Question: how it takes long to find evidence from the make up

Katy Bruce answered on 2 Feb 2023:

Hi! I think this question might be for me?

So the primary analytical technique I’m using to look at my makeup samples is called Raman spectroscopy. With the parameters that I’ve set, a spectrum takes about 2 minutes so it’s a pretty quick technique.

The light microscopy is instantaneous, so it only takes me as long as I need to properly look at the sample. The comparison microscopy takes a tiny bit longer as you need to adjust the images so they align.

The version of infrared spectroscopy I use is also really quick – a scan takes seconds rather than minutes.

Scanning electron microscopy only takes a minute or two to scan the image and obtain the elemental profile – what takes the time is setting it all up and getting the beam alignment and astigmatism just right!

An x-ray fluorescence scan takes me about 12 minutes and an x-ray diffraction spectrum (depending on parameters) takes between 30 mins and a couple of hours.

Hope I’ve interpreted your question correctly?!