LED Panels for Cultural Heritage Objects

Photo: Ivan Shevchuk

The CSMC and the Polish high-tech company Involutech have developed the first prototype of dual-channel SWIR LED panels, yielding major potential in the field of infrared reflectography for cultural heritage objects. Infrared reflectography is widely used to identify classes of inks in manuscripts.

The inspiration for this project stems from the CSMC’s long experience of working in the field of cultural heritage. In particular, we have recognised the inefficiencies and risks associated with the use of traditional halogen panels, which generate heat that endangers precious cultural heritage objects. Thanks to the know-how and advanced solutions of Involutech’s engineers, the new LED panels provide numerous advantages over the preceding low-tech options. By irradiating with ten times less power (4W instead of 40W), they are not only gentle on the objects but also environmentally friendly, making research and preservation practices more sustainable. Moreover, these panels emit only the wavelengths of light essential for differentiating ink classes (1050nm and 1450nm), ensuring optimal results without producing too much heat.

This innovative technological step forward seeks to contribute to a future where infrared imaging systems incorporate LED lights to prevent potential harm to cultural heritage objects.