A framework for surface metrology on Cultural Heritage objects based on scanning conoscopic holography

Abstract

The application of surface metrology and dimensional analysis to the study of artworks can reveal important information on the object and aid the integration of multiple techniques. However, the application of these disciplines to Cultural Heritage objects necessitates particular care and requirements. In this dissertation, I present the results of the implementation of different systems, based on Conoscopic Holography range finders, for measuring the surface. Conoscopic holography range finders are viable instruments for measuring distances with micrometer accuracy at different scales, coupled with micrometric stages they can be used for acquiring areal scans of the object under investigation. To ease their application to artworks I built a framework for applying surface metrology to Cultural Heritage objects. The framework covers different aspects of the research workflow comprising the creation of samples collections, the strategies for scanning the object, the storing and the analysis of the data and eventually the uncertainty linked to the measurement. This framework aims to make more accessible the implementation of surface metrology and dimensional analysis scanning systems tailored to the analysis of Cultural Heritage objects. The results collected on a variety of artworks materials (metals, panels painting, canvas, paper, parchment and mural paintings) show how these systems can be used for monitoring the effects of cleaning procedures, the dimensional stability of the artworks and their ageing