Terahertz spectroscopy: a complementary approach for Cultural Heritage conservation

Obtaining insights into the composition of artefacts and finding appropriate strategies to limit deterioration processes and biological contamination of Cultural Heritage materials represent a crucial process for preservation and conservation strategies. By integrating a multi-analytical approach, conservation scientists can make informed decisions and contribute to safeguarding Cultural Heritage. In this context, terahertz (THz) spectroscopy can represent a complementary methodology by providing a non-destructive and portable approach. However, there is still a lack of information on the spectral response of substances of interest. In the field of THz diagnostic for Heritage, implementing the existing datasets and the experimental setups is of crucial importance. For this reason, specific THz spectra of solid compounds of interest in the Cultural Heritage field are presented. Furthermore, the identification of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) through THz spectroscopy can envisage a possible selective tracer to detect fungal development and degradation processes. For this reason, this work reports the characterisation of different VOCs that can be present in historical and archaeological contexts and which can potentially arise from the metabolism of fungi throughout their growth phases or that represent degradation byproducts of organic materials.