In Association with ... - IESL-FORTH

In the last decades significant advances have been realized with regard to the development of modern technologies for the study and preservation of Cultural Heritage (CH) objects and Monuments with lasers holding an important role. The unique properties of lasers have enabled their use in a wide range of demanding analytical and conservation applications, since they ensure analysis and interventions with precise control, material selectivity and immediate feedback. 

The Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser of the Foundation of Research and Technology (IESL-FORTH) in Herakleion of Crete (Greece) is among the leading centers worldwide for research and development of innovative laser and optical technologies for the diagnostics and conservation of works of arts and antiquities. These activitiesrevolve around the development and application of laser cleaning methodologies, laser spectroscopic techniques for the compositional characterization of artifacts and holographic metrology techniques and imaging systems for structural diagnostics.

IESL-FORTH has a long experience in the exploitation of such novel analytical, diagnostic and cleaning methodologies as well as in the development of prototype instruments. Thus in the last 20 years a number of complex diagnostic and restoration problems have been effectively illuminated and successfully completed. This is reflected in the number of relevant publications in terms of articles published in scientifc journals (102), books (1) and invited chapters in books (9) as well as numerous proceedings (78) and submitted articles (9). A full list with the above (as of May 2012) can be downloaded from here.   

 

Emphasis is placed on laser ablation methodologies for cleaning and restoration, laser spectroscopy for compositional analysis, multi spectral imaging and holographic metrology techniques for structural diagnosis. Numerous collaborations exist between IESL-FORTH and museums or other organizations, focusing on the use of laser and optical technologies for addressing a broad spectrum of challenges in art conservation and archaeology. These collaborations have had significant technological output, for example mobile LIBS instruments for the analysis of works of art and archaeological samples (LMNT-ii), a great variety of laser cleaning systems for general or dedicated application (currently in use on the Acropolis Parthenon sculptures), mobile laser interferometry instruments for structural characterization of artworks and monuments (DHSPI-ii) and versatile imaging systems for mapping and discrimination of materials (IRIS-ii).

 

A general brochure describing the basic characterisitics and technical specifications of this instrumentation can be downloaded in PDF format from here whereas individual information sheets for each of these systems are available from the respective links above.