Laser cleaning, based on the process of laser ablation, offers unique possibilities for surface cleaning as it entails precise control, material selectivity and immediate feedback. Laser cleaning allows the controlled removal of unwanted layers constituted by materials of diverse origin (organic and inorganic), assembled in mixtures (e.g., thick pollution, burial accumulations) or in layers (e.g., multiple protective, metallic, dirt and/or overpaint layers) on weathered, even fragile, original surfaces.
Removal of unwanted layers present on different substrates of Cultural Heritage: optimization procedures (elimination without damage), cleaning efficiency, identification of side effects and design of mitigation strategies.