Peeling back the layers

摘要

Historical works of art are prone to damage and deterioration, and scientists using Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) have just received a ￡600,000 grant to improve techniques to help restore masterpieces. Dr Haida Liang first realised in 2004 that OCT - a medical imaging tool - could be used to reveal the distribution of paint and varnish and even the artists preparatory drawings which can be used to help to preserve works of art.