An Introduction to the Laser Discussion Group and Fundamentals of Laser Cleaning in Conservation

The Laser Discussion Group (LDG) is AIC’s newest discussion group and was established under the auspices of the Research and Technical Studies Group. The goal of the group is to advance the use of laser technologies in art and heritage conservation and facilitate communication and collaboration between communities that utilize lasers in conservation interventions or treatments. This initiative seeks to expand American engagement within the established international community and to serve as a resource for professionals interested in incorporating laser technologies into conservation practices. 

Join this virtual session to hear LDG officers share the group’s vision and offer an introduction to the two laser types most commonly used in conservation: Nd:YAG and Er:YAG. For decades, neodymium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd-YAG) lasers have been used in conservation particularly for removing dark crusts from stone sculpture and architectural facades. Erbium-doped yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er-YAG) lasers can be used to thin/remove aged natural varnishes, biological growth, and adhesives by beneficially producing thermally-induced photo-disruption at the surfaces of media that contain O-H bonds. Both laser classes and their associated wavelengths can work well in tandem with other traditional cleaning techniques. Select examples will be briefly presented. 

The LDG is pleased to announce a dedicated session at the 2026 AIC Annual Meeting in Montreal, focusing on the application of lasers across a range of material substrates (here). We hope to arrange an informal meetup after the session so stay tuned for more details. Keep an eye out for future LDG programming announcements. 

Speakers: 

• Adam Jenkins, Laser Discussion Group Co-Chair, adam@ajcsllc.com 
• Holly Salmon, Laser Discussion Group Co-Chair, hsalmon@isgm.org 
• Eve Mayberger, Laser Discussion Group Vice Chair, emayberger@gmail.com
• Colleen Snyder, Laser Discussion Group Secretary, cesnyder@gmail.com