(a) Ceramic from the III century. (b) Setup for 3D acquisition with a structured light scanner. (c) 3D model resulting from raw data before post-processing.
Researchers in Europe are developing an advanced graphene based scanner that will help reveal unknown aspects of historic objects and works of art. This scanner will allow viewing of things hidden inside ancient sealed 3D objects, images hidden on canvases, over paintings and preliminary drawings.
The graphene scanner may also help identify the style of the painter and the way the brushes were applied. This would help conservators in restoring paintings.
The graphene scanner is made up of multiple heads which have graphene emitters and receptors. The scanner is mounted on a XYZ table and can move across an area of 2m2 area, three-dimensionally. The system is still being tested, however during the tests the researchers were able to distinguish between certain pigments, which would have otherwise require puncturing of the painting to identify the materials that were originally used for the painting.
The researchers combined a structured-light scanner with a terahertz scanner for generating images of 3D objects that are sealed. The 3D shape could be reconstructed and the terahertz scanner could be guided so that it doesn't make any contact with the artwork.
(a) Still life. (b) Reproduction used for test and validation purposes. (c) Samples to be analysed with the terahertz scanner consisting of multiple pigments found in the original painting. Image Credit: Insidde
This innovative scanner which uses terahertz analysis will aid archaeologists and restorers in identifying embossed, painted decorated pottery which may have gathered limestone, dust and other deposits over time. This will help prevent any untoward damage that may be caused during manual cleaning attempts.
When submitted to electromagnetic waves graphene acts like a frequency multiplier. This allows emission of frequencies in the terahertz band, which is higher that communication frequencies and lower than infra-red frequencies. Existing scanners use ultraviolet radiation, infra-red radiation and x-rays for finding out hidden images in art work. These function at different frequencies and have different capabilities. The graphene scanner functions at a frequency between these bands.
This project has received funding as part of Insidde, the Seventh Framework Programme – European Union funded project.
References