Methodological axe

Heritage objects are often of complex and heterogeneous composition at all scales. This axis aims to support instrumental and experimental developments concerning the observation, identification and classification of materials by their physico-chemical properties (imaging and spectral imaging, dating, modeling of material properties…). These methods contribute to research on the processes of conservation-restoration, documentation, or authentication of objects. This axis encourages multi-scale approaches (micro-, meso- and macroscopic).

This supports the development of portable instruments that can be used in the field (physico-chemical analysis, field surveys, on-site sensor networks, aerial studies using drones, on-site prospecting, imaging, etc.), based on clearly defined characterization chains that are re-evaluated as they progress. It supports emerging techniques for the analysis of ancient and fossil organic matter based on DNA sequencing, proteomic analysis and separative methods. Finally, this axis is committed to renewing work on the mechanical characterization of materials, which plays a critical role in the understanding of alteration processes (cracking, detachment, etc.) or in the identification of marks left by artistic and technical practices.