Cyclododecane as a Contrast Improving Substance for the Terahertz Imaging of Artworks

This paper presents measurements of the terahertz properties of the art conservation substance cyclododecane, demonstrating that it can act as a contrast improving agent in the terahertz imaging of concealed wall paintings. Results are presented which show that the terahertz optical properties of cyclododecane are dependent on the rate at which it has cooled from the melt. Based on the results, a theoretical explanation of the contrast enhancement mechanism is postulated. The findings presented here may lead to the development of novel coating materials that could improve the quality of terahertz images in a variety of fields and not just in art conservation.