M.T.O. Department (C.E.R.T.O)

Our department carries out researches on advanced techniques for artwork restoration & conservation. Research activities are generated by the new demands from restorers and conservators practice. A significant experience was accumulated in multidisciplinary research projects, and a very special part of the experience and of the gained reputation raised up from various on site collaborations. Important results were accumulated in laser cleaning, environment control and micro-climate monitoring, non-contact, non and micro-invasive investigation methods, remote fast response techniques for cultural heritage investigation, diagnosis, intervention.

After more than 20 years of promising national and international research, the department activity is now focused on:

  • Integration of non-contact,
  • Long-term on-line monitoring of micro-climate, air quality and stress factors on monuments via wireless network of specialized sensors;
  • non(micro)-invasive investigation methods, particularly, with fast response for polyvalent applications, conservation status evaluation, prediction of monument/artwork conservation dynamics; simulations;
  • development of open-laboratory for on-line access to infrastructure (for different purposes: training, education, common experiments, expert counseling etc.);
  • Development of open-restoration workshop (mobile laboratory) for on-site monitoring of certain parameters, campaign duration prolongation (extended effective working time), experts collaborations. 

Working directions

Laser Cleaning for Restoration

  • 2D high precision laser cleaning methods and techniques (MicroLASER x – y)
  • 3D high precision laser cleaning methods and techniques (MicroLASER x – y – z)
  • Holographic on-line microscopy control of laser induced material removal for artworks restoration

 

 Microclimate Control for Cultural Heritage Protection

  • Measurement and interpretion of relative humidity and local temperature of the air in old buildings and museums
  • Pollutants effect and their control
  • Microbiological decontamination studies
  • Wall humidity determination

Investigations and Diagnosis

 

  • High resolution multispectral investigation (UV + VIS + NIR)
  • Thermovision
  • Spectrography (190nm – 900nm)
  • Laser Spectroscopy (LIBS & LIF)
  • Ground Penetration Radar (GPR)

 Informational Databases and Archives Digitization

  • Synthesis on laser cleaning protocols on organic and inorganic materials
  • Thematic literature forms
  • Thematic atlases of specific materials behavior