Ultraviolet–visible reflectance and fluorescence spectra of the Shroud of Turin

Abstract

The Shroud of Turin is a partially scorched linen cloth containing an apparently bloodstained sepia image of a man lying in a state of repose. It is believed by some to be the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth. A team of scientists, under the auspices of The Shroud of Turin Research Project, Inc., performed nondestructive measurements on the Shroud with electromagnetic energy from x ray to the IR to develop data leading to the analysis of the substances making up the body image stains and bloodstains. Presented here are UV-visible reflectance and fluoroescence spectra of the sepia body image area and scorched and bloodstained areas on the shroud.