Laser Science for Cultural Heritage

The Laser Science for Cultural Heritage expert group brings together leading experts within the Laserlab-Europe network, united by a common mission to advance the application of laser-based techniques in the study, conservation, and preservation of the objects of cultural heritage. This group leverages the diverse capabilities of the Laserlab-Europe facilities comprising state-of-the-art laser-based and spectroscopy technologies uniquely suited for non-invasive analysis, imaging, and diagnostics of artworks and historical artefacts. Our mission is to develop and apply cutting-edge laser science to understand and preserve cultural heritage. With a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, we focus on fostering scientific research, developing innovative methodologies, and providing specialized expertise to conservators, archaeologists, historians, and museum professionals.

The expert group brings together extensive expertise in a wide range of laser-based techniques in the areas of

• • Structural Diagnostics: Non-invasive laser technologies are used to assess the condition of cultural artifacts (e.g. Digital Holographic Interferometry (DHSPI) and Photoacoustic Imaging), enabling diagnostics of subsurface layers, structural integrity, and internal defects. This information aids in crafting tailored conservation plans and supports preservation decisions of fragile and complex historical items.
  • Laser Cleaning and Conservation: Highly controlled laser cleaning methods for the removal of unwanted layers (e.g., pollutants, aged varnishes) from surfaces of historical objects and monuments while preserving the underlying materials. These techniques are invaluable for the restoration of sculptures, paintings, manuscripts, and architectural elements.
  • Laser-matter interaction studies to understand and assess potential radiation damage on artworks: Non-invasive analysis and treatment of artworks and historical materials can employ intense laser radiation. However, the risk of radiation damage to these items is not well understood, and mitigation strategies are still limited. Studies focused on this issue would help in understanding the best strategies for a safe use of laser-based techniques in the analysis of cultural heritage.
  • Surface and in-depth Material Characterization: Advanced techniques allow for precise material characterization. These capabilities enable structural analysis, detailed mapping of chemical composition (both elemental and molecular) including the identification of pigments, binders and degradation products in cultural heritage objects. The techniques include:
    • • Time resolved or continuous wave photoluminescence spectroscopy and microscopy, UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy, Hyperspectral Imaging, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), Raman Spectroscopy, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS). For in-depth chemical characterization: Non-Linear Optical Microscopy (NLOM) and Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PA).

Through the Laserlab-Europe access program, this expert group offers researchers across Europe and globally the opportunity to access specialized facilities. By fostering interdisciplinary research projects, we support knowledge exchange and capacity-building in the field of cultural heritage science.

For additional information on the Expert Group please contact Sara Mosca (CLF).

• CLF, Central Laser Facility, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, STFC, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
• CLL, Coimbra Laser Lab, Coimbra, Portugal
• CUSBO, Centre for Ultrafast Science and Biomedical Optics, Politecnico di Milano, Dipartimento di Fisica, Milan, Italy
• ENEA-ABC, ENEA – Centro Ricerche Frascati, ABC Facility, Frascati, Italy
• INFLPR, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, Bucharest, Romania
• LaserLaB Amsterdam, Institute for Lasers, Life and Biophotonics Amsterdam (LaserLaB Amsterdam), Netherlands
• ULF-FORTH, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, Ultraviolet Laser Facility, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece