Laser-stimulated fluorescence in archaeology: non-destructive fluorescence imaging for museum and field settings

Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence (LSF) is a non-destructive imaging technique in which high-power lasers cause fluorescence on or just below the surface of an object, which is then imaged as a qualitative chemical map. The LSF technique has successfully revealed hidden soft tissues preserved in fossils, been applied to find fossils in the field and used to study cave formations. In this study, we detail a range of LSF applications in archaeology for the first time, using case studies from prehistory to English medieval times. Five applications are detailed: 1) Investigating active and completed excavations; 2) Analysing large-scale and hard-to-reach objects; 3) Aiding identification; 4) Understanding production processes; 5) Documenting and evaluating conservation in-terventions. These LSF applications promise to deliver tangible benefits to the wider archaeological community, underscoring the value of developing new technologies in the field of archaeology.

Automated summary

Laser-stimulated fluorescence (LSF) is a non-destructive imaging technique that has diverse applications in archaeology, including revealing hidden soft tissues in fossils, analyzing ancient production processes, assisting in excavation and conservation, and identifying large-scale and hard-to-reach objects.