OCT system to examine priceless paintings

The funding was received from the Science and Heritage Programme of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the EPSRC.

Since 2004, Dr Haida Liang from the university’s School of Science and Technology has led research into the application of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) for the non-invasive examination of paintings.

Originally developed as a medical imaging tool, OCT uses infrared light to penetrate biological tissue that scatters the light back. This scattered light is then detected by the device, allowing it to measure the distance it has travelled and therefore produce a three-dimensional image of the inner structures of the tissue.

However, since realising the potential for OCT to be applied in the examination of works of art, Dr Liang and her team have spent the past six years pioneering various applications for work in art history, archaeology and art conservation.

In the case of paintings, the depth and distribution of paint and varnish layers, and even the artist’s preparatory drawings, can be made visible, all of which can help art conservators and curators to better understand the historical significance and what is required to preserve priceless artefacts.