TISCH-Terahertz Imaging and Spectroscopy in Cultural Heritage: applications in archaeology, architecture and art conservation science

摘要

Spectroscopy and imaging have become well-established tools in the evaluation and conservation of drawings, paintings, sculptures and many other art forms. Electromagnetic radiation-based measurement techniques exploit the fact that materials reflect, absorb and emit radiation in ways that depend on their molecular composition. Unlike chemical analysis, these techniques can be used non-inva-sively and therefore rarely require specimens to be removed from the art sample, which is beneficial to the preservation of the work of art being studied. However, some of the more powerful forms of radiation for imaging, such as X-ray, gamma-ray, proton and neutron, are ionising and usually available only through external specialised laboratories or large research installations, which can be both financially and logistically challenging for heritage conservators. Because it is non-ionising, moderate exposure to terahertz radiation poses significantly less long-term risk to the molecular stability of the historical artefact and humans than other forms of radiation. Also, portable terahertz systems are becoming increasingly available and affordable.