In situ and remote laser diagnostics for material characterization from plasma facing components to Cultural Heritage surfaces

Abstract

Optical and spectroscopic techniques offer unique possibilities for non destructive or micro-destructive characterization of surfaces, with widespread applications, starting from in-line monitoring of industrial processes. A significant group of industrial applications concerns nuclear grade material characterization and plasma diagnostics relevant to the thermonuclear fusion process. However, technologies and methodologies originally developed for specific in-vessel utilization, can easily find additional in-situ and remote application to environmental and cultural heritage (CH) diagnostics addressed to preventive conservation and restoration of surfaces. At ENEA Frascati different prototypes have been developed and patented to collect reflectance and fluorescence images excited at different ultraviolet and visible laser wavelengths, Raman and LIBS signals. Portable integrated instruments suitable for operation at different distances from a 1.5 to 30 m, have been assembled and operated in laboratory on multilayered samples and in field campaigns for Security and on CH painted surfaces. Significant results relevant to the cross fertilization among different applications will be presented and discussed.