Application of laser in conservation and restoration of historical building

Laser technology has emerged as a transformative tool in the conservation and restoration of historical buildings, offering precise, non-invasive solutions for both cleaning and material analysis. This study highlights its dual application: laser cleaning, pioneered by LRMH with field prototypes tested on French cathedrals in the 1990s, effectively removes stone surface layers while minimizing damage; and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS), a portable analytical technique, enables in situ identification of pigments, salts, and metals without laboratory constraints. Additionally, a novel methodology for pigment conversion using continuous lasers expands laser applications further. These advancements, systematically applied at UNESCO World Heritage Site Saint-Savin sur Gartempe Abbey, demonstrate the potential of laser technology to revolutionize cultural heritage preservation by combining efficiency with scientific rigor.

Detalle, V., Duchêne, S., Verges Belmin, V., Vallet, J. M., & Bodnar, J. L. (2010). Application of laser in conservation and restoration of historical building. Fundamentals of Laser-Assisted Micro- and Nanotechnologies 2010, 7996, 799614. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.889522