Contribution of computed tomography to the investigation of La Tene culture iron artefacts

M. Vopálenský; P. Sankot; M. Fořt; I. Kumpová; D. Vavřík

doi:10.1117/12.2271765

11 July 2017 Contribution of computed tomography to the investigation of La Tene culture iron artefacts

M. Vopálenský, P. Sankot, M. Fořt, I. Kumpová, D. Vavřík

Proceedings Volume 10331, Optics for Arts, Architecture, and Archaeology VI; 103310S (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2271765
Event: SPIE Optical Metrology, 2017, Munich, Germany

Abstract

The X-ray tomographic study was realized in addition to the standard X-ray radiography for the purpose of the new conservation work upon the La Tene culture iron artifacts from the collections of the National Museum in Prague. These artifacts are heavily damaged by the corrosion, avoiding thus an effective visual exploration. The work shows that even details, which are shallow compared to the artifact thickness and therefore not detectable in standard radiographic images, can be made visible in 3D models obtained tomografically. The tomographic data acquisition was performed utilizing the unique TORATOM device, equipped with a large area X-ray detector with Gadox scintillator. The tomographic reconstruction revealed insufficiencies in the earlier conservation processes of the La Tene culture swords, as well as so-far unknown details, such as the exact sword shapes and their decoration. These new findings allowed better classifying of the artifacts. Tomography also helped in visualizing details of iron clips that are completely hidden under the rust, making thus the technology of the clip formation clearly observable. With this work, it has been proven that tomography can bear valuable new information compared to the standard X-ray radiography commonly used in the investigation of iron archeological artifacts.

Citation Download Citation

M. Vopálenský, P. Sankot, M. Fořt, I. Kumpová, and D. Vavřík "Contribution of computed tomography to the investigation of La Tene culture iron artefacts", Proc. SPIE 10331, Optics for Arts, Architecture, and Archaeology VI, 103310S (11 July 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2271765

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available