The use of near-infrared radiation in the restoration and study of photographic documents

Among the available methods - chemical and physical - which are practiced now to reconstruct damaged images of photographic materials in archive and museum collection only the method of photographic reconstruction is completely non-invasive. It guarantees the stability of image material structure afterwards this method performing which means, in particular, no threat of thermal or photochemical degradation. Image reconstruction mentioned here does not mean the improving of digital image copy in photographic redactor computer programs but implies scientific techniques of light production and registration, especially in UF and IR spectrum. These techniques are generally accessible and have been frequently used in the heritage investigation projects, but till resent time photographic materials were underestimated as the objects of such projects. Unlike digital graphic reconstruction that gives nice improved pictures but with the lack of authenticity in the case of scientific UV and IR image scanning we get reliable visual data so it can be declared truly documental reconstruction. Several technical advances were required to develop a scanning set proper for dealing especially with photographic objects. In this article we describe the experience of developing such a set, its properties and opportunities in archive and museum practice.