Abstract
Terahertz (THz) spectroscopy and THz imaging techniques are expected to have great potential for the non-invasive analysis of artworks. We have applied THz imaging to analyse the historic mural painting of a Lamaism temple by using a transportable time-domain THz imaging system; such an attempt is the first in the world. The reflection image revealed that there are two orange colours in the painting, although they appear the same to the naked eye. THz imaging can also estimate the depth of cracks. The colours were examined by X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, and the results were found to be in good agreement. This work proved that THz imaging can contribute to the non-invasive analysis of cultural heritage.
Highlights
Scientific analysis is essential to be carried out so as to preserve cultural heritage objects, and various common instruments such as an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer have been used to identify materials in the artworks [1]
Nara Research Institute for Cultural Properties, The Inner Mongolia Museum, and China National Institute of Cultural Property organised a collaborative research on the wall paintings of Dazhao Monastrey, which is the largest and bestpreserved monastery in Hohhot, Inner-Mongolia province
Almost all paintings were removed from the wall in 1980s and are preserved in The Inner Mongolia Museum in Hohhot city
Summary
Scientific analysis is essential to be carried out so as to preserve cultural heritage objects, and various common instruments such as an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer have been used to identify materials in the artworks [1]. Most art materials such as mercury sulphide used as a red pigment have characteristic fingerprint spectra in the THz region [5] and can be identified either in the transmission or reflection mode Another important feature is that time domain spectroscopy using the THz pulse can reveal the internal structure of non-metal objects, such as the air gap between ceramic and resin. With these advantages, terahertz spectroscopy and imaging techniques are expected to become a new analytical method for heritage science applications, and there have been various attempts by using model art works [6]–[9]. This paper compares the THz reflection image of the wall painting fragment with XRF, Raman spectroscopy, and near infrared imaging
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of the European Optical Society-Rapid Publications
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
