The potential use of plume imaging for real-time monitoring of laser ablation cleaning of stonework

In this work, the potential of plume imaging was investigated as a real-time monitoring technique for the control of the laser cleaning process in cultural heritage objects with emphasis on encrusted stonework. Optical pulses generated by Nd:YAG laser were used to remove a high absorbing layer of crust from the surface of a lower absorbing marble substrate. Two regimes of operation have been employed for laser cleaning test, Q-switched ns mode, and short free running μs mode. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was also employed to study the stratigraphy of the cleaned surfaces, and thus to confirm the validity of the suggested monitoring technique. The tests proved the prospective of introducing plume imaging techniques as a straightforward and inexpensive tool for the real-time monitoring of laser ablation and the determination of the critical point for a safe surface cleaning intervention.