PHYSICS FOR CULTURAL HERITAGE

Title: Retrieve a novel: new multi-scale surface texture analysys of Ground Stone Tools

Academic supervisor: A. Lo Giudice, L. Longo
Commitee: R. Damiano, A. Pawlik, C. Putignano

Abstract: Stone implements have been used since the early stages of humankind as tools for processing different resources, one of the most direct actions being pounding and grinding. Identifying the function(s) of this kind of tools, namely ground stone tools and distinguishing them from manuports is not a simple task when analysed with conventional approach. Therefore, they are underrepresented in the archaeological record and poorly studied also due to methodological constraints, e.g. heuristic requirements, equipment availability, and time restraints. This project aims to set up an investigative approach for the comprehension of ground stone tools' function and the processes in which they were involved, in order to REVEAL the artefacts complex biography..

Title: Dimensional measurements with X-ray Computed Tomography and application to Cultural Heritage

Academic supervisor: A. Re, S. Grassini
Commitee: G. Perrone, D. Di Martino, R. Sacchi, C. Trigona, J.M. Tulliani

Abstract: The aim of this research project is the characterization from a metrological point of view of innovative instruments for imaging based on X-rays. The characteristics evaluation of measuring instruments is of fundamental importance in the field of scientific research: in order to define their performance, it is necessary to analyze the limits and inaccuracies of instruments, obtaining all the information for the correct use and allowing the user to obtain the best results in all the possible conditions.

Title: Metrology for Cultural Heritage: multispectral 3D models by photogrammetry

Academic supervisors: S. Grassini, A. Re
Commitee: F. Di Franco, F. Lamonaca, L. Ciani, A. Gueli, G. Perrone

Abstract: This dissertation deals with the metrological validation of a digitalization approach that combines the use of photogrammetry and multispectral imaging (MSI) techniques in the field of Cultural Heritage. Photogrammetry is a technique that is becoming more and more diffused for the creation of 3D realistic virtual replicas of historical artefacts since it allows the extraction of three-dimensional information about the geometry and overall appearance of an item from 2D digital images. On the other hand, MSI techniques are widely diffused, since they allow the detection and identification of the materials used by the artists based on their response to different wavelengths.

Title: Petrographic and minero-chemical characterisation of lapis lazuli: a provenance study of rocks and artefacts from Cultural Heritage

Academic supervisors: A. Borghi, A. Lo Giudice, G. Vaggelli
Commitee: G. Artioli, M. Benvenuti, R. Giustetto

Abstract: the work firstly aimed at performing a systematic characterisation of rock samples of known provenance, in order to create a database with the identified minero-chemical markers useful to discriminate different quarry districts. The second aim was the application of the protocol tested with the rock samples, analysing precious artefacts in non-invasive way to obtain information about the provenance of the raw material used for their realisation.

Title: Optical, electron and ion microscopy in the field of Cultural Heritage: a provenance study of lapis lazuli.

Academic supervisor: A. Lo Giudice
Examiner: T. Calligaro, CNRS - France

Abstract: ion beam analysis are widely used to characterize materials of archaeological, historical and artistic interest because they do not require any sample preparation, they can be performed in air and they do not damage the sample at low ion fluences. An interesting material to be analyzed by means of Ion Beam Analysis is lapis lazuli.