Abstract
A new real-time terahertz imaging system has been developed by using a quantum cascade laser source and a microbolometer focal plane detector array. The application to non-invasive analyses of cultural heritage is demonstrated with an oil paint specimen. The experimental results suggested that the terahertz imaging system can identify materials based on a spectral database with a spatial resolution of about 300 µm. The transmission imaging indicated the difference between natural and artificial ultramarine pigments. Since the size of the system is similar to a common portable infrared camera, it can be used at the place where the object is located, such as museums, and can contribute to conservation activities, such as drying process monitoring. This real-time, small, non-invasive terahertz imaging system can be used in various fundamental research fields and practical industries.
Highlights
Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging is an emerging technology in the optics research field [1, 2]
We have developed a spectral database of 200 or more art materials including mineral pigments, organic dyes, natural resins, oils, and synthetic resins to apply terahertz spectroscopy for art conservation science [7]
We have developed a small terahertz imaging system by using a quantum cascade laser (QCL) [12] and a 320 × 240 microbolometer focal plane array (FPA) [13]
Summary
Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and imaging is an emerging technology in the optics research field [1, 2]. By using tempera painting models and real medieval parchment specimens, we have demonstrated that terahertz imaging can indicate a difference beween materials that have the same colour to the naked eye, either in transmission [10] or in reflection [11]. These results prove that THz techniques can be used to find “something different” among the materials used, and to identify the materials based on the database. Examined the possibility of applying it to art material analyses
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