L' Istituto di Fisica Applicata "Nello Carrara”

Abstract

The Institute of Applied Physics "Nello Carrara" (IFAC) of CNR in Florence has
matured historically a strong tradition and continues to play a leading role in
the introduction and testing of new technologies for the study and conservation
of works of art , applied to sculptures and paintings (eg. by Michelangelo, Donatello and Masaccio) and monuments of inestimable historical and artistic value (eg. the Colosseum, the House of Augustus), in collaboration with major national restoration centers.
Currently IFAC develop integrated spectroscopy techniques in the UV-Vis-IR and
THz-GHz ranges for the study of the constituent materials and the state of conservation of cultural heritage. The research focuses on devices for non-invasive and in situ characterization of materials and for imaging, as well as on procedures of multivariate analysis of spectral data. Remote sensing techniques based on fluorescence LIDAR were applied for the first time in the survey of monuments by IFAC. Advanced diagnostic, such as LIPS (laser induced plasma spectroscopy) and 3D microscopy were originally developed for archeometric studies. In the field of restoration, IFAC has been a pioneer in the development of laser systems for cleaning of works of art made in stone, metal and painted surfaces, transferring these technologies to the Italian industry, which has become a world leader.