Laser Cleaning on Stonework: Principles, Case Studies, and Future Prospects

The use of laser light to selectively remove and/or precisely reduce unwanted layers and encrustations from the surface of cultural heritage (CH) objects and monuments was systematically investigated during the past 30 years bringing about a significant breakthrough in the field. This chapter aims at briefly introducing the reader to the basic concepts of laser cleaning, while highlighting the critical and decisive parameters that determine an efficient and successful laser ablation on stonework. Limitations ensuring a safe process are discussed, and good practice guidelines for laser cleaning interventions are presented, with emphasis to their practical implementation in three laser cleaning projects with different conservation challenges. Finally, ongoing issues related to careful assessment and reliable monitoring of the process are discussed.