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Practical issues in laser cleaning of stone and painted artefacts: optimisation procedures and side effects

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Abstract

In the last twenty years lasers have acquired an important role in the study and the preservation of Cultural Heritage (CH) objects and Monuments, as they have effectively illuminated a number of complex diagnostic and restoration problems. Their unique properties have enabled their use in a wide range of conservation applications, since they ensure interventions with precise control, material selectivity and immediate feedback.

Surface cleaning, based on laser ablation, is a delicate, critical and irreversible process, which, given the multitude of materials that may be present on a CH object and the often fragile or precarious condition of the original surfaces, is fraught with many potential complications. Therefore it is crucial to choose the best possible laser cleaning methodology for each individual case, which involves optimising the laser parameters according to material properties, as well as the thorough knowledge of the ablation mechanisms involved. In this context the systematic investigation and elucidation of potential damage or side effects occurring upon cleaning is essential, as it delineates the possibilities and limitations of laser ablation and allows the fine-tuning of the operating parameters for a successful cleaning intervention.

This paper is an overview of studies investigating the mechanisms which are responsible for the laser-induced discoloration effects. Emphasis is given on the yellowing coloration observed on stonework upon infrared (IR) ablation of pollution encrustations, while the various theories introduced to approach the different physical and/or chemical processes and mechanisms responsible for such side effects are discussed. In this respect the different laser cleaning methodologies, which are based on the use of laser systems with different pulse durations and wavelength characteristics, introduced in order to rectify or prevent discoloration on stonework are presented. In parallel, the darkening phenomena which occur upon laser irradiation of painted surfaces are also considered. Studies on series of model paints performed in order to understand the sensitivity of pigments to laser irradiation are critically reviewed. In this respect the importance of the optimal wavelength and pulse-duration selection for a safe and controlled laser cleaning intervention is also addressed.

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Acknowledgements

The research leading to these results has received funding from the EC’s FP6 “Laserlab-Europe, RII3-CT-2003-506350” and FP7 “LASERLAB-EUROPE, Grant agreement n∘ 228334”. MCINN (Projects CTQ2010-15680 and CONSOLIDER CSD2007-00058) and Programa Geomateriales (CAM, S2009/Mat-1629) are also gratefully acknowledged. The laser cleaning project on the Athens Acropolis Sculptures runs since 2001 and is being funded by the Acropolis Restoration Service (YSMA), the A’Ephorate of Classical and Prehistoric Antiquities (A’EPKA), the Organisation for the Building of the New Acropolis Museum (OANMA) and the Acropolis Museum in a collaborative effort of IESL-FORTH and the Greek Ministry of Culture and Tourism. P.P. would also like to thank I. Doganis and A. Galanos from Lithou Sintirissis Inc. (conservation associates) in Athens, Greece, for providing samples for the irradiation tests and for fruitful discussions on stonework conservation issues. M.O. and M.C. thank the collaboration with ÁRTYCO SL and acknowledge C. Vázquez for providing Fig. 2(b).

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  1. Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser (IESL), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), P.O. Box 1385, 71110, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

    Paraskevi Pouli

  2. Instituto de Química Física Rocasolano, CSIC, Serrano 119, 28006, Madrid, Spain

    Mohamed Oujja & Marta Castillejo

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Pouli, P., Oujja, M. & Castillejo, M. Practical issues in laser cleaning of stone and painted artefacts: optimisation procedures and side effects. Appl. Phys. A 106, 447–464 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-011-6696-2

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