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Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for Examination of Artworks

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Advanced Characterization Techniques, Diagnostic Tools and Evaluation Methods in Heritage Science

Abstract

Optical coherence tomography is a fast, non-invasive technique of structural analysis utilising near-infrared radiation. Examples of using OCT, for obtaining cross-sectional images of objects of craftsmanship and an easel painting have been shown. Issues regarding the technique of execution and destruction phenomena were resolved non-invasively. In some cases, the secondary alterations can be identified and localised within the object’s structure which helps in authentication of the artwork.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Mrs. Alina Targowska and Mrs. Romualda Uziembło from the District Museum in Toruń as well as Mrs. Iwona Kluk from the Museum of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn for providing objects for examination.

This research has been co-financed by H2020 IPERION CH project (contract number: 654028) and conducted with use of the research infrastructure of Interdisciplinary Centre for Modern Technology of N. Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland, financed by Regional Operational Programme for Kujawsko-Pomorskie Voivodship (Project No.: RPKP.05.04.00-04-001/10).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Fine Arts, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland

    Magdalena Iwanicka

  2. Faculty of Physics, Astronomy and Informatics, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland

    Marcin Sylwestrzak & Piotr Targowski

Authors
  1. Magdalena Iwanicka
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  2. Marcin Sylwestrzak
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  3. Piotr Targowski
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Magdalena Iwanicka .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. National Center for Education and Research on Corrosion and Materials Performance, NCERCAMP–UA, Department of Chemical, Biomolecular and Corrosion Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH, USA

    David M. Bastidas

  2. Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Metalúrgicas (CENIM), Corrosion and Protection of Metallic Materials for Cultural Heritage and Construction Research Group (COPAC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain

    Emilio Cano

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Iwanicka, M., Sylwestrzak, M., Targowski, P. (2018). Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for Examination of Artworks. In: Bastidas, D., Cano, E. (eds) Advanced Characterization Techniques, Diagnostic Tools and Evaluation Methods in Heritage Science. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-75316-4_4

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