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Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is a very powerful tool to study artworks in a non-contact way. Nevertheless, typical HSI systems, which rely on spatial-scanning and dispersive spectrometers, suffer from high-light losses and are difficult to operate for analysing complex artworks. Here we review the capabilities of a HSI system based on TWINS, an innovative Fourier Tranform (FT) spectrometer, which allows wide-field imaging. We demonstrate how, by coupling the TWINS to different imaging systems, it is possible to achieve multi-scalar configurations from very large field-of-view (FOV) acquisition to microscopy. Further, we show how the high-collection throughput of the device allows for the sequential and fast detection of multi-modal signals', as diffuse reflectance, transmittance, photoluminescence (PL) and Raman. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the use of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to monitor the effectiveness of plasma-generated atomic oxygen (AO) treatment for non-invasive cleaning of cultural heritage object. Silk samples dyed with indigo blue, including those soiled with soot to mimic historical artifacts, were treated with plasma-generated atomic oxygen for varying durations. Using HSI with a TWINS [1,2] birefringent interferometer, diffuse reflectance and light-induced fluorescence are observed. That allowed a precise evaluation of sample degradation avoiding any invasive sample extraction. This research not only contributes to the field of cultural heritage conservation but also enhances understanding of indigo colour degradation processes and the evaluation of non-invasive cleaning techniques on sensitive materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work introduces a novel method to multivariate analysis applied to fused hyperspectral datasets in the field of Cultural Heritage (CH). Hyperspectral Imaging is a well-established approach for the non-invasive examination of artworks, offering insights into their composition and conservation status. In CH field, a combination of hyperspectral techniques is usually employed to reach a comprehensive understanding of the artwork. To deal with hyperspectral data, multivariate statistical methods are essential due to the complexity of the data. The process involves factorizing the data matrix to highlight components and reduce dimensionality, with techniques such as Non-negative Matrix Factorization (NMF) gaining prominence. To maximize the synergies between multimodal datasets, the fusion of hyperspectral datasets can be coupled with multivariate analysis, with potential applications in CH. In this work, I will show examples of this approach with different combinations of datasets, including reflectance and transmittance spectral imaging, Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging and Time-Gated Hyperspectral Imaging, and Raman and fluorescence spectroscopy micro-mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the 20th Century, plastics found extensive use in fashion, art, and design due to their versatile nature. However, their degradation over time poses challenges, impacting material integrity, particularly in museum collections. To tackle this issue, different scientific techniques have been employed to study polymers. In this work, a complementary multi-analytical approach is proposed to investigate the light stability of ABS compounds, selecting LEGO® bricks as reference material. The method is based on fluorescence emission and lifetime integrating point-like analysis and imaging systems to corroborate chemical and spatial information specifically addressed at the surface level. The latter has shown promising results in studying ABS objects, offering insights into degradation and aiding conservation efforts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ultramarine Blue (UB) pigment, derived from lapis lazuli, holds a significant place in the history of late medieval and Renaissance Europe, owing to its unusually bright colour and stability. Its prohibitive price, which equalled that of gold, meant that it was only used by estimated artists. In this work we present a non-invasive, multimodal approach to the characterization of the photoluminescent properties of different variants of the pigment. The ultimate goal of this research is to propose a protocol for the identification of UB in artworks thanks to the combination of Raman spectroscopy and time resolved-photoluminescence spectroscopy and imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]