Micro-Raman spectroscopy and THz time domain spectroscopic imaging of Pietra Dura marble inlay work resembling Taj Mahal architectural motifs

Aparajita Bandyopadhyay; Diksha Garg; Amartya Sengupta

doi:10.1117/12.2525574

12 July 2019 Micro-Raman spectroscopy and THz time domain spectroscopic imaging of Pietra Dura marble inlay work resembling Taj Mahal architectural motifs

Aparajita Bandyopadhyay, Diksha Garg, Amartya Sengupta

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 11058, Optics for Arts, Architecture, and Archaeology VII; 1105819 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2525574
Event: SPIE Optical Metrology, 2019, Munich, Germany

Abstract

The Taj Mahal, a 17th century architectural wonder is known worldwide for its visual appeal in white marble with beautiful inlay works in the style of ‘Pietra Dura’ from Florence, Italy. The long-drawn restoration process for structural damage and surface discoloration of this heritage structure has drawn international attention. The conventional means of structural survey is based mostly on visual assessments by experts which is highly time-consuming and subjective; and in most cases can be done only after the damages become apparent. Consequently, the restoration involves exhaustive repair procedures. In this work, we have introduced a combination of optical imaging and spectroscopy techniques, namely, µ-Raman Spectroscopy and Terahertz Time Domain Spectroscopic Imaging, as an alternative approach for both surface and subsurface damage detection in Marble structures. In our work, we have examined some of the most common structural and surface damages in heritage Marble architectures found worldwide using some selected representative models. These model slabs bearing similar ornamental colourful motifs like those in the Taj Mahal were probed by the above two techniques, which showed tremendous promise in sensing very fine cracks which are visually impossible to detect. Also, minute changes in surface quality due to the introduction of organic materials were mapped with high accuracy. This paves the way for an efficient and trusted survey platform that could be deployed in future which would be able to provide a fast and reliable structural assessment of our cultural heritage architectures for the next generation.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Aparajita Bandyopadhyay, Diksha Garg, and Amartya Sengupta "Micro-Raman spectroscopy and THz time domain spectroscopic imaging of Pietra Dura marble inlay work resembling Taj Mahal architectural motifs", Proc. SPIE 11058, Optics for Arts, Architecture, and Archaeology VII, 1105819 (12 July 2019); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2525574

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