ABSTRACT

Ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) photographic techniques have been used extensively by the scientific community since their invention. This chapter examines the three specific areas where the techniques have been, and continue to be, used to visualise information about their subjects: cultural heritage, including art restoration and analysis, medicine and forensic science. UV fluorescence techniques are perhaps a more useful tool, and relatively easy and inexpensive to carry out. Various other artworks can be examined under UV light, including textiles, porcelain, glass and paper. A great deal of research has been carried out by medical photographers and clinicians over the years looking at the potential uses of UV and IR in medicine, though their routine use had declined greatly over the last few years, primarily due to other, better diagnostic techniques. Specialist illumination sources are available, including handheld UV sources such as the Labino MPXL, and lasers such as the Revelation 445/532 Crime Scene Laser from Laser Innovations.