Precious works of art in need of preservation or authentication could in future be studied using a new laser technique, developed by a collaboration of UK and Italian scientists, that can analyse layers of paint without causing any damage to the object itself. This new technique will be of real benefit to curators of cultural heritage who need to preserve and authenticate precious works of art without harming them.
UK and Italian scientists have, for the first time, tested this laser technique on priceless religious murals and sculptures dating back several centuries. The technique uses laser light to probe through the surface layers to examine the chemical composition of the paint layers beneath. A small number of photons (light 'particles') will scatter back with changed colour, according to the different paint components they represent, allowing the scientists to analyse the chemical composition of artwork in depth.
Link: http://www.icvbc.cnr.it/test_eng/News/Highlights/microSORS.html
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