Ecological, operational within the laboratory as well as in situ, and nevertheless characterized by high accuracy, optoelectronic techniques offered within the last two decades the most accelerated progress in the cultural heritage field. Remote non-contact diagnosing, stratigraphic analysis without sampling, as well as the practical real-time response, have revolutionized the restoration practice and campaign investigations. We are currently using physico-chemical analysis of materials by high-precision spectroscopic methods (punctual and 2D) – LIBS, LIF, XRF, Raman, multi- and hyperspectral imaging.

http://certo.inoe.ro/ ;

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FljyggV6S8Q 

The attributes of optoelectronics allows us to realize assessments on the state of conservation of monuments, works of art and archaeological artifacts with complex structures, qualitatively characterized and often with quantitative interpretations not only at the ‘skin’ level of the studied object, but within its hidden layers as well. Via LDV scanning, tomography, geo-radar, LIDAR and thermography, hidden defects and risks of accelerated degradation in art objects, monuments and archaeological sites are being identified and mapped. http://certo.inoe.ro/virtual/# 

Since 2010, INOE offers in its current practice a 3D digital model of multilayered investigation of artifacts, that was improved and validated through time, and which was addressed to the International Committee for Standardization in the field. The ‘scaffold’ to whom are associated in a relational mode the scientific results is being generated using high resolution laser scanning. Hereby, the 3D digital model is useful even for a simple visualization for historical and aesthetic research, but also for high-precision monitoring of degradation mechanisms dynamics, erosion calculation, microtopographyc changes of the paint layer, etc.   http://basarabi.inoe.ro/pagini/pag1.html

The knowledge of the processes of laser-matter interaction, processes versatility, the rigorous laser beam control within time and space, method selectivity, the respect towards the environment, have all led to the improvement of the laser cleaning method. Since 2004, in Romania, INOE has validated and applied laser cleaning techniques for numerous monuments (Lady’s Church, Stavropoleos Church, public use monuments in Braila, the Martyrs’ Monument from Moisei, mobile patrimony objects etc.). Currently, research on laser cleaning is being carried on polychrome organic materials, selective cleaning of repainted areas or fragile surfaces, without invasive consolidation procedures. 

European collaboration with pioneers of this field has been highly appreciated and stimulated our research.

http://certo.inoe.ro/web/prj_nat_lasclean.php?open_page=4 

The value of the scientific investigations and their exploitation with maximum efficiency are demonstrated by the research, services and interventions performed with the help of the ART4ART mobile laboratory. It distinguishes itself not only by its large number of functions, but also through their way of selection, which delivers intelligent associative data, from microclimate and air quality monitoring to artefact anamnesis, investigation, diagnosis and possible interventions, ecological decontamination through anoxia without moving the object from their environment. Since the beginning, in 2007, ART4ART aimed to represent not only a simple equipment assembly, but act as an intervention ‘ambulance’ of immediate reach to restorers. Also, it is the only autolaboratory with optoelectronic scientific methods available on-line. The group took part in partnerships for restoration campaigns in Romania, Nessebar - Bulgary, Ljublijana - Slovenia, Ladakh, Tibet – India next to THF from Germany. 

http://www.tibetheritagefund.org/pages/research/3d-scans.php 

The development of specialized IT tools will allow in the near future better handling of data packages, including simulation and design of interventions, identifying risks on the surface and estimating de decay rate. Monitoring of structures through optoelectronic techniques will generate in the near future the first preventive conservation instrument. 

INOE – accredited by the Ministry of Culture, member of the Standardization Committee and of the most prestigious specialized international networks (ICOMOS, LACONA, the Balkan Archaeometry Network), has coordinated since 1999 the first projects initiated by Romania in the frame of the Eureka programs (E2094), COST (G7), CULTURE2000. 

The forefront projects currently undergoing open new directions of applications and exponentially increase the number of users, rebuilding in the most direct way the conservation-restoration practice. INOE put into operation and perfected the first laboratory with online access to infrastructure for universities, researchers, restorers and conservation experts within the country and abroad. The first experiments and online demonstrations unfolds systematically with the University of Vienna, Fayoum University in Cairo, Institute of Solid State Physics, Bulgarian Academy as well as other cultural centers. http://certo.inoe.ro/watch/ 

Interest in archaeological investigations and historic materials has generated a valuable experience that has helped us in highlighting challenges for the tomorrow restorers. In view of the next decade, modern and contemporary art conservation is rapidly emerging as a domain with specific problematics. The free artistic techniques, the range of conventional and nonconventional materials used and their infinite combinations, generated a multiannual wide project with several international collaborations.