Beam characterization of a microfading tester: evaluation of several methods

Abstract Microfading testing allows to evaluate the sensitivity light of a specific artwork. Characterization illumination spot is important determine its shape, dimensions, distribution, and intensity in order limit account for possible damage. In this research advantages disadvantages several methods used beam shape profiles are described with aim providing various options microfading researchers interested characterizing their irradiation spots. Conventional imaging were employed compared terms accuracy, cost, reliability, technical features. consisted an aperture technique using aluminium foil four different materials namely stainless steel, silicon, muscovite, Teflon as sharp edges. The digital photography spot, direct measurement CMOS camera, laser profiler. results show that both conventional provide width measurements, which satisfactory agreement within experimental error. two best camera sharp-edge procedure. MFT followed by determination diameter method, more specifically one involving technique.