Lasers in the conservation of painted artworks

Several aspects of the applications of laser technology in cleaning and diagnostics of painted artworks are reviewed. Laser and material parameter studies leading to the optimization of the cleaning process are presented while the use of spectroscopic techniques for obtaining information on the mechanism of the ablation process and probe possible photochemical effects is discussed. Furthermore, holographic interferometric techniques for detecting possible mechanical stress induced by the laser during the cleaning process are employed and preliminary result are shown. Finally, examples of the applications of imaging techniques in artwork diagnostics are presented.