An investigation into the use of a laser for the removal of modern ink marks from paper
- 1 January 1996
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis in The Conservator
- Vol. 20 (1) , 65-76
- https://doi.org/10.1080/01410096.1996.9995104
Abstract
The use of a Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser for paper conservation is investigated and discussed. The laser is used to remove a variety of common writing inks from cotton and woodpulp paper; the effectiveness of ink removal and the level of damage acquired by the paper surface at differing laser pulse energies are assessed. The laser beam parameters of spot size, waist, and profile are determined, and used to control the laser beam incident on the paper surface. Photomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used to further investigate the damage caused to a cotton rag paper as a result of laser removal of ball point pen ink. A Nd:YAG laser can be used for safe removal of ballpoint inks from cotton papers. The laser is characterised so that the pulse fluence is known and controllable. A fluence of 29 ± 1 Jcm‐2 per pulse was found to give optimal ink removal on Roma 100% cotton paper.Keywords
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