Time‐domain imaging system in the terahertz range for immovable cultural heritage materials

• Published in: Strain Vol. 55; no. 2
• Main Authors: Giovannacci, David, Cheung, Hoi Ching, Walker, Gillian C., Bowen, John W., Martos‐Levif, Dominique, Brissaud, Didier, Cristofol, Lilian, Mélinge, Yannik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chichester Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01-04-2019
• Subjects: Case studies; Cultural heritage; Cultural resources; Imaging; Imaging techniques; immovable cultural heritage; Infrared lasers; Penetration depth; terahertz; time domain
• ISSN: 0039-2103; 1475-1305
• DOI: 10.1111/str.12292

In the field of cultural heritage science, the use of non‐destructive and contact‐free techniques has increased sharply over the past 10 years. Compared with conventional spectroscopic and imaging techniques such as X‐ray, ultraviolet, infrared, and laser spectroscopy, terahertz time‐domain imaging (THz‐TDI) is an innovative, non‐invasive, and safe technique, which provides good penetration depth (~1 cm) and broad spectral bandwidth (0.1–10 THz). This paper sets out the protocol and methodology for the application of THz‐TDI to immovable cultural heritage, illustrated by a series of case studies. The case studies demonstrate the efficacy of the technique in providing structural and material information for conservators.