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Services and Instruments

Spectral Imaging enables the stratigraphic study of artworks by observation in spectral regions which human eye is not sensitive to; namely in the ultraviolet (350nm-400nm) and the near infrared (700nm-1200nm). By means of a prototype spectral imaging system, the detailed mapping of the individual layers that compose the artwork is possible, enabling thus the detection of protective coating layers, possible over-paintings, retouches and restoration interventions, the presence of surface pollutants, as well as invisible under-drawings. Comparative study of the obtained information to historic references may facilitate art historians and scholars to draw conclusions about the period that the artwork was created and the artists’ technique and potentially verify the authenticity of an artwork. Finally, through spectral imaging, significant information on the preservation state and previous interventions of the artwork can be drawn which will assist conservators to decide on the necessary conservation strategies.

Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) provides insight on the identity and composition of materials in Cultural Heritage objects. The technique is employed in a wide range of applications including the analysis and identification of pigments in painted artworks, the study of metal, ceramic, stone and glass archaeological and historical objects and the characterization of geological samples and grounds.
Raman Spectroscopy gives analytical information on the molecular structure of materials allowing thus the direct identification of inorganic and organic paints, organic binding media and protective coatings as well as mineral information in geological samples.

Digital Holographic Speckle Pattern Interferometry (DHSPI) is a non-destructive technique able to remotely diagnose the structural condition of an artwork by detecting different types of alterations (e.g. detachments, cracks, micro-cracks). Alterations may be located either on the surface or in the interior of the artwork and may not be detectable visually. Furthermore, the recording of a holographic fingerprint of an artwork is a unique attribute characterizing solely the artwork and thus may certify its authenticity by safeguarding the object from future falsifications, replacements etc.

Surface cleaning, based on laser ablation, is particularly effective for the controlled and selective removal of altered over-layers and unwanted accumulations in a variety of CH substrates (i.e. stonework, easel paintings, icons as well as glass and metal objects). Outstanding examples of successful on-site cleaning applications include the removal of pollution encrustation from the surface of the Acropolis monuments (including the Parthenon West Frieze), the cleaning of hard and thick accumulations from excavated sculptures (i.e. the Hermes of Ancient Messene in Peloponnese and sculptures from the archaeological Museum of Aiani in Kozani), etc. Favorable cleaning interventions refer also to the removal of the outermost polymerized varnish from paintings, dirt from plaster ornaments, salt accumulations from wall-paintings and corrosion products from metals. In all these cases the successful implementation of laser ablation in cleaning interventions and materials analysis is systematically approached through preliminary studies and tailored cleaning methodologies.

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