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.

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

Cultural Heritage Highlights

• 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...