PRG3112 project: Portable automated laser sampling probe for layer-by-layer instrumental analysis of cultural heritage materials (2026-2030)

 


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The cultural heritage research group, led by Dr Signe Vahur, is working on a novel and exciting PRG 3112 project (funded by the Estonian Research Council), whose main aim is to develop a novel laser ablation-based sampling probe that can be coupled with various analytical devices and enables analysis of complex layered cultural heritage materials. This highly interdisciplinary PRG project brings together researchers from chemistry, physics, materials science, conservation, and heritage science.

On this webpage, we will regularly post news, short texts and pictures about the project! Your comments and good advice are more than welcome!

The previous PRG1198 project

 

The Cultural Heritage Research Group started with a new PRG project!

In January 2026, the cultural heritage research group – in collaboration with physicists, material scientists, conservators, and IT specialists – launched a challenging new five-year Personal Research Funding Team (PRG) project, led by Dr Signe Vahur. The main goal of the PRG3112 project is to develop a novel, portable, automated laser ablation sampling probe. This tool will enable minimally destructive stratigraphic and imaging analysis of artefacts directly on the object under ambient conditions. In the future, the probe could be coupled with various analytical devices (MS, Py-GC-MS, and FORS) and sampling containers.

We will keep you updated on the progress of this demanding and exciting project!

The research team remains largely the same as in our previous project.

The main members of the PRG team: team leader Dr Signe Vahur (in the centre), from left Dr Aleksei Treshchalov, Prof. Hilkka Hiiop, Dr Anu Teearu-Ojakäär, Dr Rünno Lõhmus and specialist Martin Leissoo.