An on‐line database was compiled for the Raman and fluorescence spectra, obtained using three different excitation wavelengths (531.5, 632.8 and 780 nm), of 99 pigments analysed dry and already applied with four painting techniques (egg tempera, casein tempera, oil and fresco). The database makes it possible to determine easily the most suitable excitation wavelength for the identification of pigments already applied with these painting techniques. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Detectors are a key feature of the contemporary scientific approach to cultural heritage (CH), both for diagnostics and conservation. INFN-CHNet is the network of the Italian National Institute of Nuclear Physics that develops and applies new instrumentation for the study of CH. This process results in both optimized traditional state-of-the-art and highly innovative detection setups for spectrometric techniques. Examples of the former are X-rays, gamma-rays, visible-light and particles spectrometers tailored for CH applications, with optimized performances, reliability, weight, transportability, cost, absorbed power, and complementarity with other techniques. Regarding the latter, examples are ARDESIA, the array of detectors at the DAΦNE-Light facility, the MAXRS detection setup at the Riken-RAL muon beamline and the imaging facilities at the LENA Laboratory. Paths for next-generation instruments have been suggested, as in the case of the X-ray Superconductive Detectors and X-ray Microcalorimeter Spectrometers, allowing astonishing improvement in energy resolution. Many issues in CH can now be addressed thanks to scientific techniques exploiting the existing detectors, while many others are still to be addressed and require the development of new approaches and detectors.

We present a new 1:25,000-scale geological map of the Middle Aterno Valley basin, the epicenter of the 2009 L'Aquila M_W 6.1 earthquake. This earthquake highlighted the incomplete understanding of the geology of the area, in particular the Quaternary continental deposits and active tectonics, which caused the Paganica fault system to be ignored by researchers. The map, utilizing airborne LiDAR analysis and traditional field survey approaches, is the first example in Italy (and one of the few in Europe) that integrates high-resolution topography in active tectonic studies. With unprecedented detail and precision on the spatial distribution of deposits, the map of the geomorphic and tectonic features provides new insight for the reconstruction of the Quaternary basin evolution and estimation of long-term deformation rates for the the Paganica fault system. Detailed fault mapping of Quaternary deposits represents an essential input for seismic hazard assessment and surface faulting hazard evaluation.