ERBIUM-YAG LASER

The concept of using lasers to remove encrustations from painted surfaces was developed in 1978 by Adele de Cruz while working at Stanford University in the Applied Physics Department. At that time, it was thought possible that pulsed energy might remove overpaint and cross-linked substances from the surface of an art work without doing damage to the substrate. However, it also was recognized that further development of the technology regarding the delivery of a laser pulse to the surface of an art work would be necessary before any conclusions could be reached. There then followed years of diligent study, calculation and experimental testing before tentative conclusions could be reached regarding the efficacy and safety of laser technology in the restoration of works of art.