Effect of Laser Radiation on 19th Century Paper.

The article discusses the findings of a study to determine how laser affects historical paper documents. It notes that use of continuous wave laser radiation on a German geographic map that was printed in 1846 produced decreased discoloration after five years. Results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy concludes that laser radiation methods make it possible to remove thin layers of external pollutants such as dust, soot, and inks.