Science | Cultural Heritage

Cultural Heritage applications of synchrotron light

Cultural Heritage is a rapidly expanding area of research at synchrotrons. Scientists are using Diamond’s non-destructive techniques to find answers to big questions in palaeontology, archaeology, art history and forensics. Ultimately, this work will advance our understanding of the past, to ensure our cultural heritage is better preserved for future generations. Tourism is one of the largest industries in the UK worth £80 billion to the economy every year. Protection and preservation of its heritage is pivotal to the long-term performance of this sector. Diamond provides a platform for research into conservation of buildings, paintings and artefacts.

To discuss possible cultural heritage experiments at Diamond, please contact the relevant beamline scientist or Andy Dent.

Potential industrial users should contact Elizabeth Shotton.

arrow iconListen to Diamond staff and users talk about cultural heritage in the Diamond podcast

Cultural Heritage Highlights

  • Protecting Historic Parchment
    09 Nov 2011
    Parchment has been used for recording historical information since at least the 2nd century BC and makes an important contribution to our nation’s cultural heritage. Parchments are routinely assessed Read more...
  • Saints lose their shine: Diamond light illuminates process of silver decay in Catalonian altarpieces
    21 Apr 2011
    Scientists from the Technical University of Catalonia in Barcelona have teamed up with Diamond Light Source to use a brilliant infrared microbeam to understand at the microscopic scale molecular processes Read more...
  • High-tech conservation solutions for old warship
    07 Feb 2008
    Press release, 7 February 2008 Scientists from the Mary Rose Trust are using cutting edge synchrotron technology at Diamond Light Source to provide 21st century solutions to enhance the conservation of Read more...
  • Unravelling the secrets of ancient parchments
    13 Sep 2007
    Image of scroll courtesy of Graham Davies and Tim Wess The first users on the I22 Non-Crystalline Diffraction beamline, Professor Read more...