This book describes the current concrete status of terahertz (THz) technology applied to
scientific diagnoses of cultural heritage objects for conservation planning as well as for
historical interest. It is unlike other THz-related scientific books in optics series which
only describe technologies and the physics behind them. A new method utilizing THz technology
is introduced which will help conservators and historians to analyse art objects at their
museums. By using pulse echoes THz imaging can noninvasively show internal structures such as
layers in paintings and internal defects or additional pieces in objects. The biggest advantage
of THz technology in heritage science is that THz waves can reveal the condition of preparation
layers and supports of paintings that cannot be observed by other nondestructive testing
methods such as infrared (IR) or X-ray radiography. The condition of supports and preparation
layers determine the lifetime of the paintings so that their condition is the key factor for
conservation planning.The comparison with existing classic methods for scientific analyses is
extremely important in the context of introducing new technologies in any research field since
most conservators and heritage scientists have their own protocols for classic methods. This
book compares THz results not only with visible cross sections obtained using destructive
methods but also mid-IR near IR UV X-ray and nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) which are
considered to be nondestructive methods.The book suggests future work that can be done by THz
specialists especially concerning the development of THz cameras and by engineers and
scientists in other fields such as signal processing and chemistry as well as by
conservators.
