Femtosecond pulse laser cleaning of Makrana marble and semiprecious stones for the preservation of the Holy Samadh

Julia Brand, Steve Madden, Andrei V. Rode, Ludovic Rapp, Alison Wain

Research output: A Conference proceeding or a Chapter in BookConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This study examines the use of heat-free femtosecond pulse laser technology for the cleaning of Makrana marble and semi-precious stones from the Soami Bagh Samadh temple in Agra, India. We determined the ablation thresholds of the semi-precious stones used in the inlay stonework with femtosecond laser pulses and demonstrated that laser ablation can effectively remove dust layers and environmental staining from the marble surfaces without damaging the original material. We demonstrated, by using optical microscopy, colorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy, that femtosecond laser processing of surfaces reduced the risk of thermal damage due to minimal heat generation and allowed the preservation of the original surface structure. This research suggests that femtosecond pulse laser technology can be a sustainable and effective cleaning method for heritage places such as the Holy Samadh temple.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationIABSE Congress, New Delhi 2023
Subtitle of host publicationEngineering for Sustainable Development, Report
EditorsHarshvardhan Subbarao, Bidhan Chandra Roy, Alok Bhowmick, Umesh Rajeshirke, Venkataramana Heggade, Varsha Aggarwal
PublisherInternational Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
Pages372-379
Number of pages8
ISBN (Electronic)9781713883128
ISBN (Print)9783857482007
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event23rd IABSE Congress New Delhi 2023: Engineering for Sustainable Development - New Delhi, India
Duration: 20 Sept 202322 Sept 2023

Publication series

NameIABSE Congress, New Delhi 2023: Engineering for Sustainable Development, Report

Conference

Conference23rd IABSE Congress New Delhi 2023: Engineering for Sustainable Development
Country/TerritoryIndia
CityNew Delhi
Period20/09/2322/09/23

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