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Radiographic Imaging Technologies for Archaeological Ceramics

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 February 2011

William A. Ellingson
Affiliation:
Materials and Components Technology Division, Argonne National Laboratory, Argonne, IL
Pamela B. Vandiver
Affiliation:
Conservation-Analytical Laboratory, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC
Thomas K. Robinson
Affiliation:
XEROX Medical Systems, Xerox Corporation, Pasadena, CA
John J. Lobick
Affiliation:
Diagnostic Radiology, Rush Presbyterian St. Luke's Medical Center Chicago, IL
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Extract

In archaeological studies of ceramic materials, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods are needed to better understand the nature and evolution of ceramic fabrication techniques [1] and even to authenticate ancient ceramics [2]. The desired data are similar to those sought in modern fine ceramics, especially advanced structural ceramics [3]. X-ray imaging technologies, developed to characterize structural ceramics, were applied to three samples, a modern and two archaeological ceramics, in order to obtain fabrication information. They were imaged using various X-ray image receivers: electrostatic receivers (Xeroradiography Xerox 125 and 175, Xerox Medical Systems, Pasadena CA), photostimulable phosphors (Fuji Photo Film Co., Japan, 1985 Prototype System FCR-101), and high-resolution industrial X-ray film (Kodak, Rochester, N.Y.). Ultrasound and dye penetrants had failed to reveal methods of manufacture in the ancient ceramics because of their highly porous fabric (1).

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1988

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