Terahertz FMCW measurements of Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper” and other investigations in the field of cultural heritage

Abstract

We present terahertz frequency-modulated continuous-wave (FMCW) measurements of Leonardo da Vinci's “The Last Supper” to investigate the sub-surface structure of the mural painting. We performed non-destructive and contact-free measurements to visualize the preparation layers below the visible painting and possible damages in these layers. In addition, other materials and objects of cultural heritage were investigated in terahertz FMCW reflection and transmission measurements. We demonstrate the potential of terahertz technologies for the investigation of highly sensitive artwork and other objects of cultural heritage.