More light for art conservation

The author discusses the uses of high-intensity light for surface treatment of artifacts to effect divestment, stabilization, sterilization, and activation. Such techniques, exploiting unique noncontact and self-limiting attributes of the coupling of high-power light to surface, are used for the conservation and restoration of artwork. Both laser and nonlaser light cleaning are described. Topics include: divestment by laser, light coupling to surfaces, conservation using lasers, and xenon flash lamp and scanning electron microscope systems for art conservation use.