Characterization of European lacquers by terahertz (THz) reflectometric imaging

In this study a European lacquerware replica has been investigated by terahertz (THz) reflectometric imaging. The inspected lacquerware is a wooden panel covered by multiple complex layers of lacquers and plaster. Utilizing pulsed Terahertz Time-Domain Imaging (THz-TDI) in reflection mode, we observe non-invasively buried layers of the lacquerware replica, including the internal structure of the wooden panel itself. We find that non-invasive terahertz reflectometric imaging analysis of lacquerware is can provide conservators with important information about the condition of the compositional layers, potentially aiding in the development of appropriate conservation treatments. With the same technique we have performed a surface material mapping. The material distribution has been enhanced through reflected THz composite RGB false color rendering, where RGB mapping allows distinction between different materials and textures on the surface of the lacquerware. The contrast between different textures is enabled by wavelength-dependent scattering from the surface, as well as differences in the composition of the surface layer.