Multi-Sensor Scanners and Machine-Learning Data Processing: A Novel Instrumentation and Data Analysis Method in Heritage Science

Over the past two decades, scanning X-ray fluorescence or macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) along with Reflectance Imaging Spectroscopy (RIS) and Luminescence Imaging Spectroscopy (LIS) has proven to be a revolution within the field of Cultural Heritage (CH) scientific investigation for painted artwork, with its ability to map elemental distribution over the scanned area and thus investigate the pigment composition. Two scanners combining MA-XRF, RIS and LIS for analysis of CH painted artworks were developed, as implementation of such imaging techniques acquisition set up on a MA-XRF scanner is made possible thanks to the use of optical fibre. The data generated with these instrument, consisting on a combined MA-XRF, RIS and LIS cubes, is of great interest as each point of these data-cube has an X-ray fluorescence, Reflectance and Luminescence spectroscopic signature, allowing for extensive characterization and deep understanding of the studied CH materials. The operation of such instruments is exemplified on a painted wall of Agios Ioannis Lambadistis monastery in Cyprus.