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This paper critically compares the performance of four non‐invasive techniques that match the accuracy, flexibility, time‐efficiency, and transportability required for in situ characterization of leaded glass windows: macroscopic X‐ray fluorescence imaging (MA‐XRF), UV–Vis–NIR, Raman spectroscopy, and infrared thermography (IRT). In order to compare the techniques on equal grounds, all techniques were tested independently of each other by separate research groups on the same historical leaded window tentatively dated to the 17th century, without prior knowledge. The aim was to assess the ability of these techniques to document the conservation history of the window by classifying and grouping the colorless glass panes, based on differences in composition. IRT, MA‐XRF and UV–Vis–NIR spectroscopy positively distinguished at least two glass groups, with MA‐XRF providing the most detailed chemical information. In particular, based on the ratio between the network modifier (K) and network stabilizer (Ca) and on the level of colorants and decolorizers (Fe, Mn, As), the number of plausible glass families could be strongly reduced. In addition, UV–Vis–NIR detected cobalt at ppm level and gave more specific information on the chromophore Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio. Raman spectroscopy was hampered by fluorescence caused by the metal ions of the decolorizer in most of the panes, but nevertheless identified one group as HLLA.
Infrared thermography is a fast, non-destructive and contactless testing technique which is increasingly used in heritage science. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of infrared thermography, in combination with a data clustering approach, to differentiate between the different types of historical glass that were included in a colorless leaded-glass windows during previous restoration interventions. Inspection of the thermograms and the application of two data mining techniques on the thermal data, i.e., k-means clustering and hierarchical clustering, allowed identifying different groups of window panes that show a different thermal behavior. Both clustering approaches arrive at similar groupings of the glass with a clear separation of three types. However, the lead cames that hold the glass panes appear to have a substantial impact on the thermal behavior of the surrounding glass, thus preventing classification of the smallest glass panes. For the larger panes, this was not a critical issue as the center of the glass remained unaffected. Subtle visual color differences between panes, implying a variation in coloring metal ions, was not always distinguished by IRT. Nevertheless, data clustering assisted infrared thermography shows potential as an efficient and swift method for documenting the material intervention history of leaded-glass windows during or in preparation of conservation treatments.
Dynamic infrared thermography (DIRT) has been used to locate perforating vessels and to assist in reconstructive breast surgery. Qualitative information on the perforating vessels is obtained by analysing the rate and pattern of rewarming of hot spots which are easily registered with an infrared camera. Thermal measurements are made before and during surgery and are compared with the CT-images available before operation. The thermal images can provide the individual influence of each perforator on the flap, as well as the dimensions of the perfused area. We will investigate if the influence of the different dominant perforators can be assessed by dynamic infrared thermography as a useful tool for recostructive DIEP-flap surgery.
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