The main tasks of conservators of artworks and monuments are the estimation and analysis of damages (present condition), object conservation (cleaning process), and the protection of an object against further degradation. One of the physical methods that is becoming more and more popular for dirt removal is the laser cleaning method. This method is non-contact, selective, local, controlled, self-limiting, gives immediate feedback and preserves even the gentlest of relief - the trace of a paintbrush. Paper presents application of different, selected physical sensing methods to characterize condition of works of art as well as laser cleaning process itself. It includes, tested in our laboratories, optical surface measurements (e.g. colorimetry, scatterometry, interferometry), infrared thermography, optical coherent tomography and acoustic measurements for “on-line” evaluation of cleaning progress. Results of laser spectrometry analyses (LIBS, Raman) will illustrate identification and dating of objects superficial layers.
A work station for controlled ablation of varnish from pictures is described. An apparatus utilises forth harmonic of picosecond Nd:YAG laser, computer-controlled sliding object stand and OCT inspection system. An influence of laser parameters on ablation process is discussed. Method and results of space-resolved ablation rate determination are shown.
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