Modeling of Light-Induced Changes in Reflectance Spectra: A Predictive Tool for the Effect of an Arbitrary Spectral Irradiance

Optical radiation is capable of altering the spectral reflectance of layers of colorants. Light damage is of particular importance in respect to unique historical objects in exhibitions. The major parameter governing this process is the spectral irradiance applied to the surface. As this may vary significantly for different light sources, an experimental investigation of the damage potential of the numerous illuminants available is a cumbersome task. In this work a numerical algorithm for the prediction of modifications of the spectral reflectance of colorants subject to a given arbitrary spectral irradiance over a given time is presented. It uses the temporal evolution of the spectral reflectance of the dye or pigment at issue when irradiated by a set of narrowband light sources as input data. The predicted reflectance spectra and the resulting color changes are compared to those measured for samples irradiated with common polychromatic light sources. The concept described in this work aims at the implementation of a standardized procedure and database for the prediction of radiative damage for a comprehensive range of pigments and dyes.