Tecnologie laser per i Beni Culturali: applicazioni e confronti

Conservation of cultural heritage is a very complex and constantly evolving field of research, which requires combined forces and optimization of synergies. Within the framework of a financing initiated by the European Union in the field of scientific research applied to Cultural Heritage, the University of Bari and the Polytechnic of Bari, in collaboration with local authorities and local companies, have carried out a project of restoration of stone artefacts of high historical and artistic interest, with the use of laser cleaning techniques. The application of this technology is one of the most advanced frontiers in the field of restoration of stone artefacts, metallic works and wall paintings, because its expert and aware use does not involve invasive and destructive interventions towards the original surfaces and natural patinas produced by time. Compared to traditional chemical or mechanical approaches, the advantages of the laser consist in greater selectivity, which allows the precise removal of unwanted material layers, and in the controllability of operations. As with any other restoration technique, a rigorous preliminary optimization phase and a correct effectiveness check are required. Despite the obvious advantages connected to the use of such technologies, their diffusion is still very limited, both because of the high level of preparation required by the technicians employed in the use of the instrumentation, and because of the high cost of such treatments. The main objective of this project was to compare and evaluate the results related to the use of laser technologies with those produced by cleaning with traditional techniques, to arrive at defining a protocol of interaction between the different methodologies and minimizing the costs of intervention.