Photoelectric UV Fluorescence Investigation of the Turin Shroud Revisited

Photoelectric spectroscopic fluorimetry (PEF) was a set of analytical data collected during the 1978 scientific investigation of the Turin Shroud (TS). Simultaneously with PEF, UV-induced fluorescence photography and visual microscopy were recorded. This study uses data from the three optical disciplines to interpret the PE measurements with the objective of identifying those features on the TS that emit fluorescence when stimulated by UV. Fluorescence as recorded by PEF has been interpreted as emitted by the body image. That conclusion contradicts visual observation and UV florescence photographic imagery. The PEF-reported body fluorescence is found to be the result of the higher signal contributed to the total by fluorescing background cloth included in the measurement areas. A secondary objective of the study was to provide input relevant for exploring the chemical-physical properties and their differences of the body image, faintly scorched, and blood areas. Application of non-destructive updated spectroscopic, fluorometric and imagery analytical technology can benefit forensic, conservative, and preservation investigations of objects of historical value.