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Technical note: Terahertz imaging of ancient mummies and bone
Lena Ohrström1, Andreas Bitzer, Markus Walther
1Swiss Mummy Project, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich, Switzerland.
American Journal of Physical Anthropology
|June 15, 2010
Summary
Terahertz (THz) imaging offers a non-invasive method for analyzing ancient mummies, differentiating tissues and wrappings. This technique provides unique insights into paleopathology and historic preservation beyond conventional X-ray and CT scans.
Area of Science:
- Paleopathology and Paleoanthropology
- Biophysics and Medical Imaging
Background:
- Ancient mummified tissues are crucial for studying disease evolution.
- Conventional X-ray and computed tomography (CT) are standard for diagnostic imaging of historic tissues.
- Terahertz (THz) radiation offers harmless, close-to-surface tissue differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the feasibility of THz imaging for historic remains.
- To assess the morpho-diagnostic impact of THz imaging.
- To compare THz imaging with conventional X-ray and CT.
Main Methods:
- THz-pulse imaging was used to capture images of an Egyptian mummy hand, a mummified fish, and a human vertebra.
- Images were compared with conventional X-ray and CT scans.
- THz-pulse imaging utilizes signal time-delay for supplementary optical density information.
Main Results:
- THz imaging effectively investigates ancient mummified soft tissues and embalming substances.
- Bone and cartilage are well-differentiated from soft tissues and wrappings.
- THz imaging provides information on optical density, not available with X-ray or CT.
Conclusions:
- Terahertz radiation is a viable, non-invasive diagnostic imaging modality for historic dry specimens.
- THz imaging can differentiate tissues and wrappings in mummified remains.
- Future applications include detecting hidden objects and identifying chemical signatures in mummies.
