Achievement of optimum laser cleaning in the restoration of artworks: expected improvements by on-line optical diagnostics

in view of the optimization of the laser cleaning techniques in the conserv ation of artworks, non-standard laser systems and specific intervention met hodologies were devised on the basis of shadowgraphic and spectroscopic dia gnostics analyses. Optimized cleaning procedures were achieved through on-l ine diagnostics that had the role to monitor and control the interaction pr ocess. The potential improvements of the laser cleaning treatment by integr ation of time-resolved shadowgraphy and plasma spectroscopy as on-line or o ff-line diagnostic techniques are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.