Examples of SVD decomposition contributions to the non-destructive testing of cultural heritage mural paintings using stimulated infrared thermography

Abstract

Stimulated infrared thermography has already shown its usefulness concerning heritage mural paintings conservation. However, the different pigments of the pictorial layer can, in certain unfavorable cases, lead to artefacts detection. Moreover, the fragility of these works of art requires the least invasive analyzes as possible. In the work presented here, we show, using theoretical and experimental studies, that the association of an SVD analysis with stimulated infrared thermography, seems to allow on the one hand, a notable reduction of this disturbing optical effect and we show on the other hand, that it seems to allow an early detection of these defects and therefore a lower energy deposit on studied works of art.