X-ray micro computed tomography in cultural heritage

Abstract

X-ray micro computed tomography (μCT) can reveal the internal structure of several types of objects by exploiting differences in their X-ray absorption. It can: provide information about the objects’ relative composition and density without taking any samples or causing any damage; reveal invisible defects, cracks or damage; show if there are any inclusions and if the object is a single piece or is made of different parts joined together; and, uncover methods of construction and even show if repairs and additions have been made. For this reason, it has increasingly been used in archaeology and cultural heritage.