PHOTONICS METHODS APPLIED TO HERITAGE CONSERVATION IN ARGENTINA (part 1) ABSTRACT: As part of an ongoing program performed in collaboration with museums and institutions of Argentina, we present results on the application of laser based techniques and 3D imaging methods for material characterization, cleaning and documentation of cultural heritage objects, particularly the collections of six public museums located in different regions of the country. On one hand, this program is aimed towards the conservation and restoration of clandestine detention centers created during the last Argentinian dictatorship (1976-1983). In this work we present results on the application of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for material characterization of objects found in the detention, torture and extermination center called Club Atletico (Instituto Espacio Memoria) of Buenos Aires. We show also laser cleaning applications to archaeological objects found in Patagonia and in the city of Buenos Aires. We developed a 3D system for register and documentation of artworks, based on photogrammetry, which uses low cost devices and free software for data processing. This 3D system has measurement tools and the possibility of creating deterioration maps in the vistual model. We present examples of the applications of this 3D system to modern artworks from three Argentinian museums.