Non-contact measurement & inspection FUTURE POTENTIAL a. b.
Fig. 1 - PHerc 1018 cornice 1: a) VIS image; b) NIR image acquired with technical photography at 1000nm; c) thermographic reconstruction of the papyrus where the enhancement readability of the textual part is evident.
Credits: Ceccarelli, S., et al. Pulsed c.
because some regions of the manuscripts contain multiple compressed layers created during the historical unrolling process. In these areas, underlying sections remained attached rather than separating cleanly, creating a complex structure that is difficult to analyse
thermographic analysis of Herculaneum papyri. Sci Rep 15, 34466 (2025).
using traditional imaging methods. The researchers also noted that some competing technologies can involve bulkier equipment, more restrictive positioning requirements, or lower image definition when examining layered material.
One of the remaining challenges involves identifying text located on the reverse side of the papyri or buried within heavily layered sections where only limited excitation light can penetrate. Although possible to detect residual thermal information from deeper layers, the resulting signals become increasingly weak and blurred as heat diffuses through the material. To help overcome these limitations, the CNR team is now exploring the use of AI-based processing techniques. AI-assisted analysis could further enhance differentiation between the ink and the papyrus substrate, potentially improving readability and supporting future interpretation of the texts. Whatever the future holds, the team is confident that pulsed thermography is set to become an increasingly valuable complementary tool alongside other advanced heritage science techniques. This exciting project has demonstrated the growing role of Flir thermal imaging technology in scientific research and preservation. By combining high- speed thermal acquisition with advanced analysis methods, researchers are now able to study some of the world’s most fragile historical artefacts in ways that were previously impossible.
FLIR
www.teledyneflir.com
Fig.2 - P.Herc 1780, ‘cornice’ 7, detail: a) VIS image;
b) NIR image acquired at 1000 nm, in which
the text is hardly visible; (c, d) thermographic images showing optimal textual enhancement through standard and inverted palette, respectively.
Credits: Ceccarelli, S., et al. Pulsed
thermographic analysis of Herculaneum papyri. Sci Rep 15, 34466 (2025).
a.
b.
c. Instrumentation Monthly June 2026
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