Enantiornithes are a group of extinct avialans, a clade of flying dinosaur, which existed between the Early Cretaceous to Late Cretaceous period (145.5–66.0 Ma). This paper presents three complementary analysis methods on a specimen provided by Jilin University. Due to the size and sensitive nature of the specimen three complementary techniques Raman spectroscopy, micro X-ray Fluoresce (µXRF) and Neutron Microtomography were used as they are non-destructive methods. Chemical and elemental analyses were carried out on a Horiba Jobin Yvon LabRAM HR Evolution Raman spectrometer and a Bruker M4 Tornado µXRF, equipped with a rhodium X-ray source and two energy dispersive spectrometers (EDS). The Neutron Microtomorgraphy study was conducted at the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) on the DINGO beamline.
The benefits of combined Raman Spectroscopy and µXRF allowed for rapid and repeatable analysis over a large area and providing both elemental distribution and chemical composition of the Enantiornithes specimen. Neutron Microtomorgraphy was used as a complementary method due to its sensitivity to organic adhesives and remains. The results from these three methods allowed for the assessment of how the specimen was manipulated post discovery, determine authenticity of the sample, seek and identify residual organic remains.