A survey of electromagnetic techniques applied to cultural heritage conservation

Cultural Heritage (CH) represents the identity of populations; it is a heritage not only for the culture that produced it, but also for the entire human civilization. Still, preserving it is not an easy task; several factors hinder its preservation, from time and natural disasters to wars and neglect. Science can play a leading role in preserving CH, and among the different techniques available, Electromagnetic (EM) techniques are particularly suitable for this purpose because of their efficacy, safety for both people and materials, and their applicability to artifacts made from different materials and of complex and irregular shapes. Although usually associated with diagnostic applications, EM techniques also have a crucial role in restoration applications thanks to EM radiation treatments for the recovery and consolidation of materials such as wood, paper, parchment, stone, ceramics, and mummies. The state-of-the-art of radiation technologies shows efficacy for the elimination of pests, mold, fungi and bacteria, and for the consolidation of damaged or weakened artifacts. This paper aims to provide a useful tool for a first yet rigorous understanding of the contribution of EM techniques to CH recovery and lifetime extension, also comparing them with traditional methods and highlighting main issues in their application, such as lack of protocols and distrust, and potential risks in their application.