Laser cleaning experimental investigations on ancient coins

E. Drakaki; D. Evgenidou; V. Kantarelou; A. G. Karydas; N. Katsikosta; E. Kontou; A. A. Serafetinides; C. Vlachou-Mogire

doi:10.1117/12.822443

19 December 2008 Laser cleaning experimental investigations on ancient coins

E. Drakaki, D. Evgenidou, V. Kantarelou, A. G. Karydas, N. Katsikosta, E. Kontou, A. A. Serafetinides, C. Vlachou-Mogire

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 7027, 15th International School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications; 702707 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.822443
Event: 15th International School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications, 2008, Bourgas, Bulgaria

Abstract

Laser cleaning tests were performed on ancient (Roman and Byzantine) coins, which belong to the collection of the Numismatic Museum of Athens, Greece. Coins with various types of surface corrosion were studied, using Q-switched Nd:YAG, CO₂ and Er:YAG lasers and a range of laser pulsing parameters on dry and wet surfaces. A section of each object was cleaned mechanically, by the conservators of the museum in order to show the results of this method. It was discovered that the results of laser cleaning was influenced by the type of corrosion of the surface of the coins. X-ray fluorescence was applied as analytical technique. The results show that XRF could provide detail information about the surface chemical nature of the treated objects, as well as about their past and present state and it leaded to recommendations for restoration with the appropriate laser cleaning conditions.

Citation Download Citation

E. Drakaki, D. Evgenidou, V. Kantarelou, A. G. Karydas, N. Katsikosta, E. Kontou, A. A. Serafetinides, and C. Vlachou-Mogire "Laser cleaning experimental investigations on ancient coins", Proc. SPIE 7027, 15th International School on Quantum Electronics: Laser Physics and Applications, 702707 (19 December 2008); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.822443

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