Terahertz imaging for analysis of historic paintings and manuscripts

Author

Fukunaga, Kaori ; Ogawa, Yuichi ; Hayashi, Shin´ichiro ; Hosako, Iwao

Author_Institution

NICT, Koganei

fYear

2008

fDate

15-19 Sept. 2008

Firstpage

1

Lastpage

3

Abstract

Through the application of terahertz spectroscopy and imaging to the analysis of art, we have developed a spectral database of art materials containing more than 200 spectra of various pigments and binders. With this database, a red ink used in a thirteenth-century manuscript was identified; the results were verified by X-ray fluorescence elements mapping. Terahertz transmission spectral component analysis successfully distinguished stains on the red ink. Reflection imaging also can be used to distinguish materials. Similar techniques can be applied to construct images of specific materials on objects not only in art conservation science but also in various other industries.

Keywords

X-ray emission spectra; art; fluorescence; image processing; submillimetre wave imaging; submillimetre wave spectroscopy; X-ray fluorescence; art materials; binders; database; historic manuscripts; historic paintings; pigments; red ink; reflection imaging; stains; terahertz imaging; terahertz spectroscopy; thirteenth-century manuscript; Art; Fluorescence; Image analysis; Image databases; Ink; Optical imaging; Painting; Pigments; Spectroscopy; X-ray imaging;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

ieee

Conference_Titel

Infrared, Millimeter and Terahertz Waves, 2008. IRMMW-THz 2008. 33rd International Conference on

Conference_Location

Pasadena, CA

Print_ISBN

978-1-4244-2119-0

Electronic_ISBN

978-1-4244-2120-6

Type

conf

DOI

10.1109/ICIMW.2008.4665417

Filename

4665417