Lasers in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage

This book provides a systematic approach of all aspects to laser applications in conservation. Beginning with an introduction to the basic spectroscopic techniques used in art conservation and archeology, the book describes the fundamental laser-matter interactions that underlie most conservation and cleaning methods. It examines the applications of these methods to the most commonly encountered materials. The authors proceed to consider structural diagnostics through interferometric techniques - methods that identify deformations and distortions (the precursors to crack formation) at a much smaller scale than previously possible. The book concludes with case studies for the conservation of materials like parchment, paper, metal, ivory, and wood.