Proceedings Article | 30 May 2013
KEYWORDS: Laser ablation, Ultraviolet radiation, Magnetic resonance imaging, Oceanography, Carbon dioxide lasers, Holography, Diffusion, Skin, Manufacturing, Contamination
In 1973 The Center for Art Conservation Studies (CASS) was established at the University of
California, San Diego (UCSD). This was in response to demonstrations that were conducted during
January-March 1972 in Venice for UNESCO, Venice in Peril, International Fund for Monuments,
and the Italian Petroleum Institute (ENI). The feasibility investigation explored in-situ pulsed
holography, holographic interferometry, and laser ablation divestment for applications in art
conservation practice. During subsequent decades scores of UCSD graduate and undergraduate
students as well as conservators, conservation scientists, academics, and engineers who resided in
CASS as “Visiting Scholars” contributed to advancing the understanding and performance of
radiation technologies in the arts. Several technologies in addition to those involving optical
wavelengths were also investigated to aid in art conservation and conservation science. Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were employed to detect and
map moisture within masonry. Lead isotopic analyses revealed authenticity and provenance of Benin
bronzes. Inside-out x-ray radiography facilitated the detection of defects in stone. Ultrasonic
imaging was introduced for the mapping of fresco strata. Photoacoustic Spectroscopy (PAS) was
used to characterize varnish layers on paintings. Digital image processing was introduced in order to
detect and visualize pentimenti within paintings as well as to perform virtual restoration and provide
interactive museum displays. Holographic images were employed as imaginary theater sets. In the
years that followed the graduation of students and the visits of professional collaborators, numerous
other applications of radiation ablation began appearing in a wide variety of other fields such as
aircraft maintenance, ship maintenance, toxic chemical remediation, biological sterilization, food
processing, industrial fabrication, industrial maintenance, nuclear decontamination, dermatology,
nuclear weapons effects simulation, and graffiti control. It was readily apparent that the customary
diffusion of advanced technologies from science and industry into the art conservation field had
been reversed. In this paper we trace the migration and adaptation of radiation divestment
developments in art conservation to numerous applications in science, industry, and consumer
products. Examples described include the robotized hybrid “Flashjet” aircraft paint stripping system,
the “Novotronic” anthrax remediation installation in the Pentagon Building, the InTa automated
graffiti removal system employing a carbon dioxide TEA laser, the Bellalite body hair removal
product incorporating flashlamp technology, and the Foodco line of optical radiation products for the
sterilization of food products. The Foodco products are also applied to the sterilization and/or
pasteurization of beverages and beverage containers. A similar device has been adapted to seafood irradiation in order to increase shelf life, as well as for the ablative removal of skin and scales. The
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, to etch logos and identification information into the sidewalls
of pneumatic tires, also developed a flashlamp-based ablation technology. The founders of the
CYMER Corporation applied UV irradiation technology to the manufacture of high-performance
integrated circuits (viz., memory chips, etc.) In several instances former CASS students and Visiting
Fellows consciously adapted the above-learned art conservation methodologies to still other
purposes. Thus, these examples of technology transfer may be termed: “Art in the service of
Science.” Alternatively, it is evident that many associated innovations developed from independent
activities, unconnected serendipity, or through the normal diffusion of information and knowledge
across disciplines.
