Laser cleaning

Laser cleaning is a non-contact, non-invasive and not destructive technique which started being used in Restoration worldwide recently, after 1992 along with the first European projects in which it has been employed.

Our team undertook the first laser cleaning interventions in Romania on stone and polychrome surfaces, in 2004 at the Lady’s Church and Stavropoleos Monastery both in Bucharest. The remarkable results can still be seen on sites but you can also take a look on this website here or here.

For outdoor laser cleaning we are using special designed laser systems with a solid and compact architecture provided with articulated optical arms. The cleaning processes are monitored with a thermo cam in order to demonstrate and validate the non-damaging effects of the used paramaters of the laser beam on the subject surface.

The laser cleaning method has been awarded a national patent.

Microlaser X-Y

 Action G7: COST European Cooperation in Science and Technology – Artwork Conservation by Laser

Microlaser X-Y-Z

EUREKA E! 2094 – CLEANART: Laser microscope for artwork cleaning and advanced optical method for investigation,diagnosis and treatment (2000 – 2003)

This is the result of an international project E! EUREKA 2094 Cleanart and has been awarded a national patent. This system is composed by a optical microscope, laser diode and a CCD camera. This system is able to clean delicate areas of artwork surfaces while monitoring or video recording the whole process. The system is connected to a computer where the operator can view the camera images of the cleaning area. The images or videos are saved on the same computer. The laser spot is moved on the surface of the artwork using a precise mechanical articulated arm provided with a triggering button for laser emission. 

• Laser source: Nd:YAG laser at fundamental wavelength (1064 nm)
• Aiming device: frame projected (635 nm – laser diode)
• Real-time image recording
• Optical magnification: 5X, 9X, 16X, 27X, 50X
• Laser fluence adjusted
• Laser spot diameter 0.5mm – 3mm
• Working plane dimensions: X – Y – Z / 1000mm – 1000mm – 1000mm
• Frecquency: 4Hz

Outdoor laser cleaning

Custom systems for both outdoor and indoor laser cleaning

For outdoor laser cleaning we are using Giant series laser systems. These systems are using a YAG:Nd solid state active medium and the emitted laser beam (at four harmonics) has a diameter of several millimetres. Energy per pulse is ranging from 40 to 450 mJ. The articulated optical arms allows the reach to difficult angles and areas. The laser system’s cavity is special designed in a single aluminium block making it solid and compact, highly resistant to mechanical stress and well sealed against the water and dust from outdoor atmosphere.