There is a number of laser material processing, spectroscopic and interferometric techniques, which have been adapted to the requirements in a variety of demanding conservation applications. Nowdays, there is a number of successful examples of laser cleaning and diagnostic applications of artworks and antiquities, which rely on the use of different types of lasers. Laser based diagnostic techniques are largely non-intrusive and appropriate for the in situ analysis of composition and structural diagnosis of objects. In contrast, the intrusive character of laser cleaning is raising several challenging questions for its safe applications. Laser spectroscopic techniques, for the on line monitoring of the laser cleaning process together with fundamental studies for parameter optimization are critical in this respect. Selected examples will be given and the prospects and limitations of laser technology in art conservation will be discussed.
References
[1] D. Anglos, "Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology", Focal Point article in Appl. Spectrosc. 55, pp. 186A-205A, 2001.
[2] V. Tornari, V. Zafiropulos, A. Bonarou, N.A. Vainos, C. Fotakis, "Modern technology in artwork conservation: a laser-based approach for process control and evaluation", J. Opt. and Lasers in Engineering 34, pp. 309-326, 2000.
[3] A. Athanassiou, E. Andreou, D. Anglos, S. Georgiou, C. Fotakis "UV laser ablation of halonaphthalene-doped PMMA: chemical modificaitons above versus below and ablation threshold", Appl. Phys. A 69, S285-S289, 1999.
Speaker: C. Fotakis
Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL)
and
Department of Physics, University of Crete
P.O. Box 1527, Vassilika Vouton, 711 10 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
Tel.: +30-810-391316, Fax: +30-810-391318, e-mail:
fotakis@iesl.forth.gr
Time: Monday, 16 February 2004, 13:00