The Application of Optical Coherence Tomography to Non-Destructive Examination of Museum Objects

Abstract

The application of Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT), a new implementation of incoherent light interferometry, to the examination of museum objects is described. The technique has been applied to the examination of porcelain and faience ceramics, and to the investigation of paintings. Time-resolved optical coherence tomography was used to study the surface profile of a painting during changes in the environment surrounding the object. The method provides precise section and surface profiles with micrometer resolution, and is complementary to other optical methods.