Surface Metrology Based on Scanning Conoscopic Holography for In Situ and In-Process Monitoring of Microtexture in...

Area of Science:

• Engineering
• Heritage Science
• Surface Metrology

Background:

• Surface metrology is an established engineering tool for quantitative analysis of surface features.
• Its application in cultural heritage, particularly for artwork conservation, is underexplored.
• International standards exist for surface metrology, but not for heritage applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the utility of surface metrology for monitoring art conservation treatments.
• To assess the impact of an innovative laser-chemical treatment on a Venetian masterpiece.
• To evaluate the noninvasive nature of the treatment on the painting's microtexture.

Main Methods:

• Utilized scanning conoscopic holography for surface metrology.
• Performed in situ and in-process monitoring of the painting's microtexture.
• Conducted statistical analysis using ISO areal field parameters (amplitude, spatial, hybrid).

Main Results:

• Surface metrology successfully monitored the laser-chemical treatment in real-time.
• Analysis confirmed the noninvasive nature of the treatment on the painting's surface topography.
• A comprehensive roughness analysis was achieved using various metrology parameters.

Conclusions:

• Surface metrology, specifically scanning conoscopic holography, is a valuable tool for heritage science.
• The studied laser-chemical treatment was found to be noninvasive to the artwork's surface.
• The study highlights the potential for broader application of surface metrology in art conservation.