Terahertz spectroscopy and lattice vibrational analysis of pararealgar and orpiment

Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is an effective nondestructive and noninvasive tool for investigating sulfur-containing pigments. Combined with Raman spectroscopy and vibrational mode analysis, it is significant for artifact identification and conservation. In this work, the terahertz absorption spectra of pararealgar (As4S4) and orpiment (As2S3) samples mixed with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are characterized in a range from 0.2 THz to 2.2 THz, and their distinctive peaks are observed, respectively. Meanwhile, qualitative analysis is also implemented by using Raman spectroscopy as a complementary technique. The lattice vibrations are simulated by using solid-state density functional theory (ss-DFT), illustrating different characteristic absorption peaks for specific crystalline structures and dynamic properties. This work provides a reliable database of sulfur-containing pigments for using the THz technology to actually analyze and diagnose cultural relics.