Introduction to laser cleaning in cultural heritage

Laser cleaning is a precise, 'touch-free' technique that uses focused laser radiation to remove contaminants from surfaces. It has become increasingly popular in a cultural heritage context due to its ability to target contaminants with minimal damage to underlying materials, particularly where traditional mechanical or chemical cleaning may pose risks to delicate surfaces. However, every cleaning intervention requires a degree of assessment and monitoring, and lasers are no different. This Technical Brief will provide an overview of the physical phenomena behind laser cleaning, give examples of successful cultural heritage applications and list the main pros and cons of the technique.