Characterization of laser cleaning of limestone

Abstract The precise and controlled cleaning of polluted limestone sculpture by a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser is described. Acoustic monitoring of the cleaning process is used to demonstrate the selective removal of black crusts from stone surfaces. Results are also presented which show that by applying a thin layer of water to the surface of the crust prior to irradiation, cleaning can be achieved at a lower energy than with normal laser cleaning. The probability of damage to the underlying stone is, therefore, reduced.