The micro-SORS method by CNR ISPC to The National Archives of London
The CNR ISPC Spectroscopy Raman Lab opening the door to collaboration with The National Archives of London (TNA).
Marc Vermeulen, conservation scientist at The UK National Archives (TNA), is planning to implement the micro-SORS method, developed by the CNR ISPC Raman Spectroscopy Lab, into TNA's heritage science laboratory through the project Implementation of Spatially offset Raman spectroscopy at The National Archives for analysis of hidden materials.
This is a new challenge for Alessandra Botteon and Claudia Conti, CNR ISPC researchers, who are exploring the possibility of reconstructing images or graphic signs hidden by opaque layers with advanced Raman techniques non-invasively. The development of this method will support this prestigious English institution, with the hope that it may also be useful to other archives and museums in the future.
The first meeting of the international team took place in Milan, at the CNR ISPC laboratory. During the week of experiments, the researchers reconstructed the first 'hidden' images using mock-ups mimicking case studies from TNA. The mock ups represented playing cards and naval books covered by protective papers for historical or conservation reasons.
The next step will include the Italian researchers visiting London to establish the micro-SORS technique at the TNA scientific laboratory and continuing the exploration of secrets hidden inside the pages of the Archives' artefacts.
More info about the micro-SORS method
