Journal of Spectral Imaging,   Volume 5   Article ID a2   (2016)

Peer reviewed Paper

Use of infrared hyperspectral imaging as an aid for paint identification

  • A. Polak  
  • T. Kelman
  • P. Murray
  • S. Marshall
  • D. J.M. Stothard
  • N. Eastaugh
  • F. Eastaugh
Centre for Signal & Image Processing, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1XW, United Kingdom

 https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3681-1879
 Search for papers by this author
Centre for Signal & Image Processing, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1XW, United Kingdom

 Search for papers by this author
Centre for Signal & Image Processing, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1XW, United Kingdom

 Search for papers by this author
Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD, United Kingdom

 Search for papers by this author
Art Analysis and Research Ltd, 162–164 Abbey Street, London, SE1 2AN, United Kingdom

 Search for papers by this author
Art Analysis and Research Ltd, 162–164 Abbey Street, London, SE1 2AN, United Kingdom

 Search for papers by this author
 Corresponding Author
Centre for Signal & Image Processing, University of Strathclyde, 204 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1XW, United Kingdom and Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics, Fraunhofer UK Research Ltd, 99 George Street, Glasgow, G1 1RD, United Kingdom
[email protected]
 https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6550-7716
 Search for papers by this author

Art authentication is a complicated process that often requires the extensive study of high value objects. Although a series of non-destructive techniques is already available for art scientists, new techniques, extending current possibilities, are still required. In this paper, the use of a novel mid-infrared tunable imager is proposed as an active hyperspectral imaging system for art work analysis. The system provides access to a range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum (2500–3750 nm) which are otherwise difficult to access using conventional hyperspectral imaging (HSI) equipment. The use of such a tool could be beneficial if applied to the paint classification problem and could help analysts map the diversity of pigments within a given painting. The performance of this tool is demonstrated and compared with a conventional, off-the-shelf HSI system operating in the near infrared spectral region (900–1700 nm). Various challenges associated with laser-based imaging are demonstrated and solutions to these challenges as well as the results of applying classification algorithms to datasets captured using both HSI systems are presented. While the conventional HSI system provides data in which more pigments can be accurately classified, the result of applying the proposed laser-based imaging system demonstrates the validity of this technique for application in art authentication tasks.

Keywords: hyperspectral imaging (HSI), infrared, laser imaging, optical parametric oscillator (OPO), art work authentication, classification, support vector machine (SVM)

Metrics

Downloads:

1,877

Abstract Views:

4,370