Analysis of ceramics surface modification induced by pulsed laser treatment

This paper presents the effects of laser light irradiation on the surface of ceramics dating from archaeological site Stubline (Obrenovac, Belgrade), Serbia. Two different pulsed lasers: TEA CO2 (10.6 mu m wavelength, pulse duration t(p) = 100 ns) and Nd:YAG (wavelengths 1064 nm and 532 nm, t(p) = 150 ps) have been used for surfaces treatment. Laser irradiation fluence was in the range of 1-20 J/cm(2). Ceramics surface modifications induced by pulsed laser treatment were examined by scanning electron microscope, SEM, and the composition with energy dispersive X-ray, EDX, analysis. The tests were performed in order to obtain as much as possible information about the appropriate choice of materials and techniques for the further conservation and restoration of these items. The second objective was to determine the surface modifications induced by pulsed laser treatment above damage threshold (a safe cleaning laser fluence), as an important parameter in the use of lasers for the cleaning of cultural ceramic items.