Combined photoacoustic imaging to delineate the internal structure of paintings

Year: 2019

Authors: Dal Fovo A., Tserevelakis G. J., Papanikolaou T. A., Zacharakis G., Fontana R.

Autors Affiliation: Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche—Istituto Nazionale di Ottica (CNR-INO), Largo Enrico Fermi 6, 50125, Firenze, Italy;
Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, 50019, Sesto Fiorentino, Firenze, Italy; Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, N. Plastira 100, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Abstract: In this Letter, we present a combined photoacoustic imaging method, based on consecutive excitation using either the fundamental or the second-harmonic wavelength of a pulsed Nd:YAG laser for the stratigraphy of painted artworks. Near-infrared excitation was employed for the imaging of hidden underdrawings in mock-up samples, whereas visible light was used for the thickness mapping of the overlying paint through the detection of photoacoustic signal attenuation. The proposed methodology was proven effective in measuring thick and strongly absorbing layers, which would not be possible by means of other pure optical techniques, while also enabling the visualization of features underneath the painted surface. Such an implementation expands significantly the applicability of the previously presented photoacoustic technique, which was limited to point-measurements, and paves the way for novel application in historical and technical studies, as well as in documenting restoring operations.

Journal/Review: OPTICS LETTERS

Volume: 44 (4)      Pages from: 919  to: 922

More Information: Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, H2020, 654028. Horizon 2020 Framework Programme, H2020, EC-GA 654148. Biological Interactions Doctoral Programme, BIOINT, MIS5002755. FP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions, PEOPLE, PITN-GA-2012-317526. Stavros Niarchos Foundation, SNF. – Stavros Niarchos Foundation (ARCHERS); POLITEIA II (MIS5002478); BIOIMAGING-GR (MIS5002755); EU FP7 People: Marie-Curie Actions (PEOPLE) ITN OILTEBIA project (PITN-GA-2012-317526); Horizon 2020 Framework Programme (H2020) Laserlab Europe IV (EC-GA 654148); EU Community’s H2020 IPERION CH project (GA n. 654028); HELLAS CH (MIS5002735).
KeyWords: Infrared devices; Laser excitation; Photoacoustic effect; Stratigraphy; Yttrium aluminum garnet, Internal structure; Near-infrared excitation; Novel applications; Photo-acoustic imaging; Photoacoustic imaging methods; Photoacoustic signals; Photoacoustic techniques; Pulsed Nd:YAG laser, Neodymium lasers
DOI: 10.1364/OL.44.000919

Citations: 9
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