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Methods of examination |
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Technical examination and the electromagnetic spectrum |
| The human eye is sensitive to only a small region
of the electromagnetic spectrum. Forms of radiation can be distinguished
by wavelength, and range from kilometers-long radio waves to very
short gamma waves that are measured in nanometers
(one nanometer equals one billionth of a meter). For more information
about the electromagnetic spectrum, click here. |
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| The narrow band of visible light ranges between violet
(380 nm) and red (750 nm). Technical examination of a work
of art also uses regions of the spectrum other than visible
light. Infrared light, ultraviolet light and X-rays can
provide valuable information on a painting's condition, on
earlier stages of its production, and on later alterations. |
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