Application and Research of Multi-spectral Imaging Technology in the Protection of Mogao Grottoes Murals

From July 15th to July 31st, 2012, under the invitation of Bomin Su, deputy director of Technology Research Center of Protection Project for National Ancient Murals and head of Protection Research Institution of Dunhuang Academy, a panel of three leaded by Haida Liang, a professor of Nottingham Trent University in UK conducted cooperation with Project Center over application and research of the multispectral imaging technology in the cohort and protection of murals in Cave 465 of Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes.

The research institute adopted portable remote imaging system for multispectral scanning (PRISMS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), near infrared spectral imaging and other equipments to conduct detailed spectral investigation and imaging analysis of murals on the eastern slope, northern and southern wall of main chamber as well as multiple inscriptions on the northern and southern wall of the front chamber in Cave 465. We acquired good results in identification of pigment used in murals, acquisition and analysis of colorized mural images under different wave bands as well as recovery and analysis of mural script lines and inscriptions. Currently, the follow-up research is still on its way.