High-resolution holography: a new tool in cultural heritage conservation and archaeological science

Abstract

New materials, and in particular the new laser recording technique developed at the University of Münster Laboratory of Biophysics, facilitate the recording of high-resolution color holograms. The obtained (lateral) resolution for fine structures of scattering objects is below 3 µm. Thus, it is possible with the help of a microscope to investigate the three-dimensional microstructure of an object from a hologram for archaeological documentation and analysis. The high-resolution holography technique is made mobile by a compact transportable holographic camera system. The camera fits into a standard sized suitcase and can be used outside a special optical laboratory--e.g., in museums and even on excavation sites. With this holographic technique, a world archive of master holograms can be established serving as a source for hologram copies. This way, the information content of those valuable cultural objects is secure. Museums and collections can complete exhibitions where certain originals are not at their disposal, and specialists involved in corresponding studies can obtain hologram copies in order to complete their individual archives. A project applying high-resolution holography to the study of clay tablets with cuneiform inscriptions, seals, and epigraphic fragments is discussed in some detail.