Abstract
UV fluorescence imagery of faint or fragile images and markings (writing) on relics and artwork is an affordable non-destructive tool useful in revealing often invisible details and in monitoring temporal stability. UV fluorescent images of Turin were recorded for the first time during the 1978 scientific investigation. The original images were recorded on color film and now have been digitally scanned and enhanced using image processing software. The processed UV images contain spectral discriminatory information and high spatial detail resolution with high contrast that is not discernable in white light images. Differing fluorescent emission colors were found to be associated with image features such as body image, burns, blood flows, skin wounds and water flows on the Turin Shroud. Spectral signature information has the potential for assisting the determination or elimination of the causes responsible for the appearance of the various features. Inconsistent and non-uniform exposure problems in the original photography were revealed, and their impact the subsequent digitization of the images is discussed. Suggestions for future fluorescence image collection include the design of equipment that will eliminate the problems associated illumination and film exposure. The extraction of spectral and spatial detail through UV fluorescence imagery is relevant to tracking temporal and climatic changes to assist conservation efforts.
Highlights
Fluorescent emission stimulated by UV energy is a nondestructive diagnostic tool that has application in art forgery detection and conservation, chemical reaction product identification, mineralogical composition, bio-medical diagnostics, crime forensics, surface contamination and chemical dye and paint detection
In 1978, multidisciplinary scientific studies were performed on the Turin Shroud by a team of specialists employing optical physics, biochemical and multispectral spectroscopic techniques [1,2,3]
The objective of the scientific study performed by Shroud of Turin Research Project (STRUP) was to attempt to determine and/or eliminate the possible causes for the appearance of the image of the body of a human male on the 4.3 m x 1.1 m linen cloth
Summary
Fluorescent emission stimulated by UV energy is a nondestructive diagnostic tool that has application in art forgery detection and conservation, chemical reaction product identification, mineralogical composition, bio-medical diagnostics, crime forensics, surface contamination and chemical dye and paint detection. Visual reflected light photography of the Turin Shroud reveals nearly monochromatic images with low color hue and density contrasts against the clear cloth background. When the visible wavelengths are filtered out to record imagery in the short wavelength (blue) region, the contrast between the body image and the background cloth was found to be higher. The camera was filtered with a Hoya L-42 UV-absorbing glass filter that transmitted visible light and removed all energy at wavelengths shorter than 400 nm [5]. It prevented potential background contaminating fluorescence from the camera lens.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
