E.A. Ramirez / R. Taylor
(Bergen University Museum, Norway)

This work has demonstrated the ability of confocal imaging for volume estimate of the oil inclusion. Three-dimensional images are compiled and computerised in order to visualise the inclusion volume in a museum glass object. Computer treatment consist of calculating the whole volume of the inclusion after threshold of 2-D images of the oil which have a grey scale corresponding to the intensity variation of the emitted fluorescence, and then measuring the volume of the semi spherical gas bubble.
Deformations of the vapour bubble 3-D image can be explained by diffraction of the laser beam due to differences of diffraction indices between oil and gas, and by the refraction light on the wall of the gas, these will have to be taken in consideration in any further measurements by confocal microscopy. Future studies on organic materials in our collection will be investigated in the future.