The research focuses on the study of complex and heterogeneous ancient materials ranging from a macroscopic approach down to the nanometric structures in order to deepen the understanding of the relationships between interconnected parameters, such as structure, micro-environment and physical appearance. The Centre is also developing new approaches based on hyperspectral and THz technologies to provide innovative diagnostic tools, easy to use and high-throughput. These articulated data offer a multi-scale description of the compounds' distribution to achieve a comprehensive and detailed picture of historical trade routes of raw materials, manufacturing techniques and alteration mechanisms.
At CCHT, we use advanced imaging techniques such as hyperspectral imaging to study and preserve precious cultural heritage surfaces. This technique captures images across hundreds of wavelengths, far beyond the visible spectrum, providing both spectral and physical information about artworks. By operating in the visible–near infrared (VIS-NIR, 400-1000 nm) and shortwave infrared (SWIR, 1000-1700 nm) ranges, hyperspectral imaging allows precise identification and mapping of materials, analysis of pigments and binders, detection of subtle changes and degradation phenomena, assessment of past restoration interventions, and the visualization of underdrawings and other hidden features that conventional imaging cannot reveal. Over the years, CCHT has developed extensive expertise in HSI data acquisition and processing, contributing to both national and European research projects.
Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is considered an advanced and innovative analytical technique for the characterisation of ancient materials, which requirs minimal or no sample preparation, while provides higher sensitivity/lower detection limits. The LA-ICP-MS is used to perform quantitative determination of major, minor, and trace elements to generate bulk chemical data of ancient samples able to provide information about the provenience of raw materials used for manufacturing, or about fabrication technologies, which vary widely according to historical period and/or geographical area. Over the years, CCHT has built significant expertise in using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for characterizing cultural heritage, by developing advanced analytical methods.
Terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) is an advanced imaging technique that probes the terahertz frequency range, situated between the microwave and infrared regions, providing both spectral and structural information about materials. At CCHT, we use THz-TDS to study cultural heritage objects in a non-invasive way, as it can penetrate many non-metallic materials and reveal subsurface layers, hidden structures, and internal features such as stratigraphy, voids, or underpaintings. By analyzing the reflected or transmitted terahertz pulses, it is possible to characterize layer thicknesses, material composition, and degradation phenomena without physically sampling or altering the artwork. Our research group is exploring the potentiality of the THz-TD operating in reflection configuration, starting from the construction of a spectroscopic database of the most common inorganic mineral pigments and moving to the analysis of complex system (i.e. real artworks), exploiting the advantages offered by the technique.