Holography and associated laser techniques in the world of the museum and archaeology

Abstract

This paper discusses the application of pulsed laser recording for three-dimensional display of ancient artefacts, medical dissections for hospital museum exhibition and also non-destructive testing techniques for the detection of subsurface damage on such items such as paintings or frescos and other ancient artefacts where debonding between surfaces and their supporting background may have occurred. It also considers the information storage potential of holography that could be of use for museum applications. A further associated laser technique is also discussed which detects defects in ancient metal structures; this latter technique was used on the Marco Aurelio equestrian bronze, located in Rome.